A councillor has called digital skills an "essential for everyday life" as a learning service launches new courses to help adults improve their confidence online.

As part of Get Online Week this Autumn, Cumbria County Council’s Adult Learning service is providing a number of free courses to help adults improve their digital skills.

There are a range of 70 online and face to face sessions, from introductory courses for complete beginners, through to courses covering specific skills around tools such as Zoom, Excel and Microsoft Office and online safety.

There are also courses for learners looking obtain qualifications.

Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services, Deborah Earl, said: "Using our devices with confidence is not just something we need for work – digital skills are now an essential for everyday life.

"If the last two years have taught us anything, it is how vital digital skills are for everyone in our community.

"Getting online with confidence keeps us connected with our friends and family

"Those skills can be used to open up so many opportunities: staying connected to our communities, accessing services, saving money, improving health & wellbeing and employment.

"In Cumbria, we’ve already helped over 270 people improve their digital skills since August this year. Digital inclusion is about making sure we don’t leave anyone behind.

"If you – or someone you know – could benefit from improving their online confidence, please look at the free courses Adult Learning has on offer."

You can find out more on the Digital Skills course by visiting the Cumbria County Council website at adultlearning.cumbria.gov.uk.