Two former school pals have been reunited after many years, through taking part in an internet taster session in Bradford.

Fred Hall and Richard Dennison, pictured, had not seen each other since they left school more than 50 years ago.

But the pair, now both 76, enjoyed sharing memories of their days in the Royal Navy, and tips on technology at the event run by Age Concern.

Fred, who lives at Tong Street, was spending his first day as a volunteer at the Silver Surfers Festival in Sunbridge Road. And he was delighted when he recognised Richard, a former classmate at Highfield School, as one of the first to drop in.

"We have done more talking than internet lessons so far," said Fred. "I write to people all over the world and I've only been doing this for two years.

"I've got friends in Australia and New Zealand and this is the start of another reunion and another friendship - thanks to the internet."

Richard, of Eccleshill, said he wanted to learn to surf the net to keep his mind active.

"I don't think you ever finish learning. I'd like to research my family tree," he said.

The sessions are being provided as part of a national initiative to get more over-65s to use the internet.

Statistics show only 17 per cent of this age group have tried it.

"I didn't know the first thing about it but I got stuck in and took to it like a duck to water," said Fred. "Now I use it every day to write e-mails."

Alan Magson, IT co-ordinator at Age Concern, said in ten years time there would be more pensioners than teen-agers.

"There is so much out there on the web for older people," he said.

The programme runs until June 6 with sessions on themes including local living, family history and reminiscence, lifestyle and leisure. To book places, call (01274) 395144.