COMPUTER training and learning opportunities will be made more widely available in Kington after a community led technology centre got a £4,000 cash boost.

Marches Access Point (MAP) is looking for a new training manager after Herefordshire Community Foundation, which promotes giving in Herefordshire, made it the first county organisation to benefit from a new Grass Roots Scheme.

The £4,700 received will enable MAP to develop new courses and expand a base of volunteers who advise those using the centre for various IT needs.

Community foundation trustee Christine Forrester said: “MAP is exactly the kind of organisation that the scheme has been set up to benefit – based in the local community with very limited income, but providing much needed services that help and support a wide cross-section of the community.”

More than £200,000 will go to voluntary and community-based groups over the next three years via the charity scheme, which was set up in connection with Herefordshire Voluntary Action.

There are also plans to raise around £350,000 by 2011 via a Grass Roots Challenge so grants can be made well into the future.

For more information call Dave Barclay on 01432 272550.