Ted MackenzieTED MacKenzie has proved you are never too old to learn new technology.

For Mr MacKenzie is not the least intimidated by the likes of spreadsheets and internet banking, and he is 96-years-old.

Unsurprisingly Mr MacKenzie, of Freshbrook, turns out to be the oldest ever student at New College. He is on a Computer Literacy and Information Technology course at the North Swindon Learning Centre.

He said: "I would say to other people of my generation not to be afraid. Computers don't bite.

"I keep my pennies in check with internet banking, as well as personal Excel spreadsheets that I've learned how to use at New College. Computers are also great for enriching my knowledge. There are many sites on the internet I visit for this purpose, as well as regularly using Encyclopaedia Brittanica."

The aspect of new technology which has most impressed him is email.

He said: "Emails are terrific. My great niece was teaching in China and it was fantastic to be able to communicate with her it's almost like having a conversation. I actually thought of something to say to her in the middle of the night at one point and got up and emailed her! "

Mr Mackenzie is keen to encourage others to take advantage of the computing courses at New College.

He said: "Flexible learning is great you can take as long as you like and can even go on holiday and come back to continue the course.

"The staff are very friendly and helpful too. I would recommend it to everyone and really think more people from my generation should stop seeing computers as something to be afraid of."

For more information on computer courses at New College telephone 0808 172 1721 or visit www.newcollege.ac.uk