A project which helps young mothers become computer-literate has been secured until at least the summer after receiving a cash windfall.

The Oxford IT Hub, based at Rose Hill Children’s Centre, has been awarded £17,600 in grants to help more people on the estate discover what computers and the Internet can offer.

Manager Adrian Hicks said he was delighted with the grants, although he warned the centre would need continued funding to thrive.

The free service, run by volunteers, costs about £45,000 a year and helps people of all ages.

Mr Hicks, 35, from Littlemore, said: “This money will go a long way towards helping us run more courses.

“Since September we have helped about 50 people learn more about computers, as well as running maths and English courses.

“In this day and age it’s vital that people have the understanding so they can get the most out of computers.

“You only have to look at the Government, which looks as though it is trying to do everything online, whether it’s a tax return or applying for child benefits.

“At the moment we have an information-rich, information-poor society, which isn’t right.”

He added: “I reckon we now have enough money to run until the end of July, which is good news, but we really need to address the gaps between funding.

“We will receive money, but then things can go quiet for months. We need to get more consistent funding so we can guarantee when we are going to run courses.”

The European Social Fund donated £11,600 to the hub, the Oxford Citizens Housing Association £1,000 and a further £5,000 was received from the Government’s Grassroots Fund.

A section of the money will go towards providing free child care at the centre, allowing parents to take part in the courses.

Mr Hicks said: “It gives parents the freedom to learn, safe in the knowledge their children are being well looked after in the same building.

“A lot of this money will go towards providing childcare for under-fives, because it’s very important if we’re to get more people taking part.

“We have a wide range of people who attend, not just those living in Rose Hill.”

The IT Hub will arrange to run a course as soon as 10 people have signed up.

It is a community interest company which is run by a small management committee and volunteers. It was set up in June last year.

Anyone interested in enrolling on a course should call 01865 716739 or see oxfordithub.org for more information.