George joins the online age with help from KCOM

Today 89-year-old George Marsh joined the other 1.79 billion people on Facebook.

It was a big step for George, a retired driving instructor from north Hull, who took his first steps onto social media at one of KCOM's monthly Learning Zone drop-in sessions.

George, who is partially-sighted, has been a regular visitor to the sessions, held on the first Tuesday of every month in KCOM's Carr Lane Learning Zone, where he has been proving you are never too old to learn new skills.

Brandishing his iPad, he said: "I just like to keep my mind active. I have used computers before but at my age I keep forgetting things so it's nice to come back in for a refresher.

"I really enjoy coming in because the people are really helpful and help you get to where you want to be. It's the best thing since sliced bread!

"I mainly use the computer for keeping up to date with the news and the weather. It keeps me informed with what's going on in the world.

"I found out about these sessions after popping in at the shop to ask about how to do something. They are a godsend really, without them I wouldn't have much use for my iPad. It's a lifeline."

Helping George navigate his way around the internet is Robert Hodgins of KCOM's customer services team, who volunteers at the drop in sessions.

He said: "It's always a pleasure to see George. He's always up for trying new things and learning new skills. It's really rewarding for me too helping people to get online and connect with more people, friends and family."

For George, who now lives in sheltered accommodation, Facebook is the next step in an online adventure that is opening up new opportunities and unexpected experiences for the octogenarian.

He hasn't decided who he'll be sending his first friend requests to yet, but he's got plenty time to think about that before the next drop in session.