SILVER surfers on Oxford’s largest estate will soon be able to use the Internet to speak to relatives around the globe.

Over-50s in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys are being given the chance to log on and hook up with family members via Skype, a computer programme which allows users to make free calls over the web.

The computer novices will also be able to see their loved ones on the screen via webcam while they chat.

Organiser Gerry Webb came up with the idea after discovering many older people on the estate had relatives abroad who they were struggling to keep in touch with.

Mr Webb, also chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: “It’s not a drop-in centre, it’s a course to teach people how to do it.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to set up. There are a lot of elderly people on the estate and health-wise they can’t travel on long flights to visit relatives, so they can only rely on letters or phone calls.

“With this, they will be able to talk and see each other, and see how their families are getting on. It makes it a bit more personal.”

Mr Webb said people with relatives in places like South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, were keen to get started. He added: “I think people moving to other countries will get more prolific, whether they move there because of their careers or because of the recession.

“I think the reaction will be good, although we will have to be careful because we don’t know how some people will react if they haven’t seen or spoken to their relatives in a long time.”

Cecil Reid, 60, of Oxford Road, has family in Jamaica. He said: “It’s a nice idea. I use the phone. It’s a bit ‘old school’. It doesn’t cost any money, but I can’t see who I’m speaking to.”

The free course is part of the Clockhouse IT project and is open to over-50s with an OX4 postcode.

It was created to give older residents advice on how to improve their lives with the aid of computers.

Money from the Government’s UK Online scheme and Blackbird Leys Parish Council has paid for the equipment.

Weekly sessions will run from the Clockhouse community centre, in Long Ground, from Monday, October 5, until Christmas.

For more information, call the Clockhouse on 01865 395508.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk