WEB surfers, jobseekers and Internet "junkies" have all received a boost from the opening of a York estate's first ever cyber-caf.

The free caf, in the Burton Stone Community Centre, at Clifton, is backed by learning and work advice service Future Prospects.

It is run in the IT suite at the Evelyn Crescent community centre every Wednesday afternoon, to coincide with the publication of the Evening Press's recruitment section.

Future Prospects learning and work advisor Sarah Gowland said as well as the advertised jobs, all local vacancies from York Jobcentres are on display.

She said caf customers could

do Internet job searches, or talk to Future Prospects advisers about preparing CVs, options for improving job prospects, benefits advice or general information.

But she said the facilities were available for most net-related activities, as well as job-hunting.

Sarah said: "The computers were put in place as a UK Online centre, part of a Government initiative giving people access to computers or the Internet.

"Unfortunately that didn't go as well as was hoped, perhaps people didn't realise the facilities were there or were a bit wary about coming to use them.

"The idea of the caf is to make the whole thing much more informal, to invite people along in a relaxed atmosphere where they can have a drink, a chat and find out about computers and the Internet at their own pace."

She added: "We were really pleased with the turn-out for the first two sessions. People had come to do all sorts of different things, and there were some total beginners which is great.

"We want people to come along no matter what their ability, there is nothing to fear."

The Internet caf opens on Wednesdays, between 1pm and 4pm. Customers must be 16 or over, but parents are welcome to bring their children.

For more information, phone Sarah or Future Prospects Information Technology tutor, Helen Keighley, on 0800 834239.

The opening of the caf comes shortly after the successful launch of Clifton's community website, which can be found at www.clifton-york.co.uk

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, January 28, 2003