Age Concern, Barclays and UK online have today launched their "Computer Explorer" buses - a mobile IT initiative for older people in the UK.

The four specially designed buses will provide free IT training for older people and their carers.

Lord MacDonald, minister for e-government, said: "It is the intention of UK online to provide access to the Internet to every part of the population. The net has the potential to enhance lives and create new and closer communities.

"The Computer Explorers initiative is an excellent example of how government, the private and voluntary sectors are working together to achieve this goal."

Forum Response: Barclays

Simon Newman, eChannels Director for Barclays online, told ePolitix.com: "As the UKs leading online bank, we are aware that these days more people are doing more online.

"Through Web Aware we can help older people get online and feel part of the IT revolution. This is part of our commitment to communities and promoting social inclusion to make a real and lasting difference to people's lives."

Forum Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern in England, told ePolitix.com: "Older people, whose generation didn't get the chance to use computers and the internet at school or in the workplace sometimes don't realise the many exciting ways they could benefit from them.

"Age Concern is delighted to be leading an initiative that will help so many of the UK's older people and their carers to explore the wealth of opportunities available to them on the internet."