SWINDON Children's Scrapstore has been awarded a computer linked up to the internet as part of an awards scheme from BT.

The donation from the BT Community Connections scheme also includes a 12-month connection to BT Yahoo worth £180, as well as Microsoft Office software.

Olivia McCann, project manager of the scrapstore, said: "This opens up access to a wealth of information including fundraising, promotional, recruitment and training opportunities."

The scrapstore, which provides donated goods at a cheap price for people in need, was among hundreds that entered in the south west and impressed judges with its idea about how an internet-ready PC would benefit the local community.

The group plans to use the internet to develop its website to provide online information about the scrapstore and to contact other scrapstores around the country to share resources.

The PC will also mean that the store can create marketing materials and pamphlets for distribution.

"We are very happy to receive our BT Community Connections award," said Ms McCann. "The internet-ready PC will enable us to raise awareness about reuse and recycling in the Swindon area and through gaining access to the worldwide web, it will make a huge difference to the way we operate enabling us to develop using more efficient and effective methods."