Dorothy Gibson, pictured, is a shining example of a pensioner who has not let her age stand in the way of living life to the full.

The 92-year-old, of Blackbird Leys, learned how to use a computer just four years ago. And she says there is no looking back.

She is one of scores of pensioners who competed in Carlton TV's talent contest earlier this week and has already appeared in a TV show celebrating old age.

Dorothy was introduced to computers at Shotover Day Centre, in Crawford Road. She decided to throw herself in at the deep end by attending a course at the Oxford College for Further Education in Blackbird Leys.

She said: "I had been quite ill just before I attended the day centre and when I joined I found there was a chance to get involved in all sorts of activities. I wanted to take on a challenge and do something fairly intellectually stimulating.

"I knew being able to use a computer would be useful because I do quite a lot of cataloguing. I've enjoyed learning how to get the best out of the machine. Sometimes it drives me absolutely mad. But there is so much to learn that I enjoy it a great deal and I'm getting used to the old devil.

"I'm not at all frightened of using computers, I just get on with it."

The former book-keeper doesn't own a computer but uses a machine at the day centre on a weekly basis. And her new skills mean she is also able help edit the centre's news and information magazine.

Dorothy is also a keen landscape artist. She regularly holds exhibitions at Green College to give people a chance to enjoy her work.

She said: "I am probably a better painter than I am a computer user."