A college lecturer in York has set up her own business teaching children computer skills in after-school and weekend classes.

Margaret Middleton with three of the youngsters taking part in the Whizzkidz computer course at Courtney's Gym, at Monks Cross, York. From left, Edward Breslin, Joanne Middleton and Mark Cooper

Margaret Middleton, who already works as a private tutor in English and maths in York, is holding her classes in Courtney's Gym next to Waterworld in Huntington.

She has teamed up with Whizzkidz, an organisation which has devised a programme of computer literacy teaching based on a scheme developed at Rugby public school.

"Computers are the thing of the future and often children are not getting a lot of time on computers at school because they simply haven't got the resources," she said.

"And they will get a lot more attention in classes of six than 25 or 30."

She said her one-hour sessions would also overlap with subjects such as maths, English and science and were designed to be fun and interactive.

"Many children have computers at home but they are seen as playthings - here they won't be just sitting there doing what they want - they will be using creative programmes."

She can be contacted on 01904 765882.

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