A STATE-of-the-art Cyber Centre has been officially opened in Sherburn-in-Elmet as part of an ongoing modernisation programme at the village library and information centre.

The new facility houses more than 20 computer workstations with broadband internet access in an expansion of the current Sherburn Cyber Centre, housed at the library for the past two years.

The centre is a joint venture between North Yorkshire County Council and Selby College, and will be part of the college's centre of vocational excellence in ICT.

The county council is investing £3 million over the next few years in enhancing its library and information facilities in partnership with other organisations.

It has contributed £100,000 to this first phase of the Sherburn improvements with an additional £60,000 being provided by the Learning and Skills Council.

Coun Carl Les, executive member for libraries, said: "This is an excellent example of where the college, the Learning and Skills Council and the county council have worked together to provide an excellent IT facility which will benefit both the community and local businesses."

The centre was officially opened by the vice-chairman of the county council, John Dennis.

The second phase of the development will begin shortly to enhance the services and facilities available.

The library will be made more family friendly, with refreshment and baby-changing areas, and DVDs, CDs, Playstation games and videos will be made available to borrow.

There will also be free public access to the internet and other computing facilities.

Updated: 12:09 Friday, June 06, 2003