In his role as a community networker for Shipley College, Peter Braham enjoyed nothing more than helping elderly people to discover the world of computers for the first time.

Until he realised that many of the pensioners would be unable to use the skills they had picked up because they could not afford to buy home computers.

That thought was the inspiration behind what is already emerging as a bright idea.

Mr Braham, 42, decided to set up his own business - known as Cool Computing - which would help make computing affordable.

And just a month into the new venture, run from his Manningham home, he's already building a network of happy customers.

"These people needed to have a computer at home and wanted to have one but couldn't afford to buy one," explained Mr Braham, who helped teach computing at three community centres in the Shipley area.

"I discovered that it was quite easy to buy the parts for the computer and put them together yourself."

By constructing his own machines and selling them on, he believed he could sell a computer for around 25 per cent less than the typical high street price.

"For some people, that can make all of the difference," he explained. "A lot of elderly people came along to the classes and explained that they wanted to use their computers like their grandchildren. There is a real gap in provision."

As well as selling computers and accessories, Mr Braham also provides a range of other services to help people upgrade and get the most out of their machines.

And Mr Braham said he was enjoying the challenge of running a business.

He said: "I love helping people out and being able to help them achieve what they have always wanted."

Bill Stockdale, 71, is one of many happy customers. He first met Mr Braham when he was learning about computers at the UK Online centre in Windhill.

Mr Braham had helped Mr Stockdale to build his own website for Bolton Villas Cricket Club during sessions at the centre. "I had my site up and running, but then I needed to upgrade my computer so I contacted Peter's company and he helped me," explained Mr Stockdale. "Without this service, I don't know where I would have gone for the help; it is nice to be able to call on someone that you can trust and someone you know will not rip you off.

"With me being a pensioner, at first I didn't believe I would be able to pick up computing, but my son pushed me into it and now I've had nearly 3,000 hits on the website."