THE Green Dragon in Market Lavington has launched a free-to-use digital hub in the hope of getting the older generations more in touch with technology and the internet.

The new hub, which is situated in the pub’s function room and skittle alley, comprises a laptop computer, printer, big screen TV and three hand-held tablets with free wifi connection.

Staff at the Green Dragon were presented with a grant from Pub is The Hub, an organisation which encourages pubs to engage in their local community.

To mark the launch of the scheme, Helen Bradley and Ruth Hill from the Word Fest charity presented a short talk about their work in adult literacy and digital skills support for Wiltshire residents.

The services are available for anyone who needs access to services like browsing the internet, printing documents or downloading a book or newspaper. All the pub’s food and drink facilities will be available as well.

Licensees behind the scheme, Steve and Nicky Wragg, have been running the Wadworth’s tenancy for 15 and a half years and had been keen to create a space for the rural community as well as providing a useful service.

Mr Wragg said: “The age profile of Market Lavington is of an older population and we want to help some of the local residents to get online and improve their digital skills.

“This new service is for those who want to book their health appointments online, speak to their family on Skype or even just print out airline tickets.

“The equipment is accessible as long as the pub is open, from 9am to 11pm every day, and we can be around to support anyone who wishes to use it.

“The idea is that we will also set up some training courses and will subscribe to online libraries and newspapers if the demand is there.

“We would not have been able to pull this together if it hadn’t been for the support of Pub is The Hub and their grant.”

Reg Clarke from Pub is The Hub, said: “As more useful and essential services go online it is becoming ever more important to help everyone, of any age, with their digital skills.

“In a rural area, where older or more vulnerable people can become isolated and lonely, this sort of scheme brings them into a social environment.”