SILVER surfers were being trained at a computer class for the elderly.

Pensioners got to grips with laptops, desktops and tablets at the session in Wallingford on Wednesday morning.

Classes were being run by Oxfordshire-based housing Soha Housing with tenants getting first choice of places.

One of them, Janet Bullen, said: “I’m learning how to operate my tablet. I want to do all sorts of things, it’s a new hobby. It would be nice to look up my holidays.”

Dorothy Coles, 86, said: “I’m trying to order my shopping from Waitrose and talk to the family. The whole point is that I’m nearly crippled and it’s difficult to get out of the house.”

Instructor Lynn Foley said: “It’s good fun instructing people and it’s important because everything is online these days.”

Classes were run at Wallingford’s Oakdale Court, from 10am to noon and from 1pm to 3pm.

Soh’s digital inclusion officer Adela Miencilova said: “What we do is help people who want to learn how to use their computers and get online. Access to the internet helps with their independence.

They can do their own shopping and talk to friends. The classes always have a great atmosphere and are tailored to individual needs and interests. They help each other out, too.”