MALMESBURY Mayor John Bowen admitted to being excited at the opportunities offered by a new IT Learning Centre which he opened in the town last Thursday.

More than 16 computers have been installed at the town hall by Wiltshire College, which is renting a room from the Town Council for the courses, which it will run.

Coun Bowen said the Learning Centre represented a significant move forward in higher education in Malmesbury. "It is an astronomical movement and has got so many people interested," said Coun Bowen.

"It is expanding people's knowledge and gives a facility for the public sector at an affordable price."

Michael Wright, the IT manager for Wiltshire College Malmesbury, said the courses could be completed whenever and in whatever way people wanted. Courses started on October 15 and they included lessons for beginners as well as advanced courses.

Coun Bowen, a further education tutor in Wiltshire for ten years, said: "To see the development of an IT suite in the centre of town is very welcome."

General courses will continue to take place in schools and sports centres around the town. Course directories are available from the college or from the library.