Lancashire County Council is supporting the national Be Online campaign to help people to get to grips with the internet.

This year's campaign, which takes place from Monday, 27 February to Sunday, 12 March, will focus on helping people to get the most out of being online.

Libraries across the county will be supporting people to gain or to improve their online skills and discover how the internet can make their lives a little easier.

Whether it's job-hunting, trying to get healthy, connecting with friends and family or simply shopping for a bargain, getting online can help people to make the most of life.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: "More local people than ever now enjoy the benefits of using the internet. Yet there are still many adults in Lancashire who have never been online, or not used the internet very much at all.

"The Be Online campaign offers a fantastic opportunity for people to get familiar with modern technology and start enjoying all the advantages of life online.

"Digital skills are increasingly important in every aspect of our lives, from job opportunities, education and entertainment, to using services and shopping.

"It doesn't matter whether you'll be getting online for the first time or looking to learn more. I would really encourage anyone to go along to a library and start getting online, and maybe do more with your skills. As more and more services go online it's really important for people to have the basic skills that are needed to access the Internet.

Although it can feel pretty scary getting started, we're here to help you and there's lots of support available."

The campaign is organised by the Good Things Foundation. The team runs two national campaigns each year to focus attention on those without digital skills and to promote digital inclusion.