People may soon visit a museum, not to delve into the past but to surf the Internet.

Plans are already under way to transform the Vale and Downland Museum, in Church Street, Wantage, into a stepping-off point for the world wide web.

The museum has made a bid for Government funding of at least £10,000 to develop the Internet "portal".

If successful, a computer would be permanently installed in the foyer, linked to a network of access points or laptop terminals elsewhere in the museum.

The plans are part of a national £4bn initiative to increase Internet use. The scheme is being developed in conjunction with King Alfred's Community and Sports College. Other access points could be developed in pubs, community centres and the Charlton Centre, which caters for people with learning difficulties.

County council community education outreach co-ordinator Angela Wood said: "It is about getting Wantage connected."