There may be 85 years between them but these two Davids have more than a bit in common.

They have both become experts on the keyboard after completing a basic course in computing skills.

Proving age is no barrier when it comes to learning new skills, David Godwin, 92, and David Adams, nine, are just two of the 40 people who have completed an IT for All course at Cecil Jones High School in Southend.

During his first session Mr Godwin mentioned he knew Cecil Jones, the Southend benefactor the school is named after.

He said: "I am sure he would have approved of the progress at the school and the fact people of my age can take a free course in computers."

Mr Godwin signed up for the course after getting confused when his grandchildren talked to him about computers.

He said: "I now know what a mouse is. The staff have been wonderful explaining everything to me. I don't learn as quickly as I used to.

"I am now aware what a computer does but I have been surprised at how complex they are to operate."

The younger David, meanwhile, took the course because he wanted to know more about using computers rather than just playing games.

Dad John said: "He will be going to Cecil Jones and he wants to know as much as he can before he starts there.

"His sister, Hannah, who is five, now wants to take the course but I think she may wait a year or two.

The school's IT village director, Andrew Hutchison, said: "The two show the range of people who are taking part of these courses, which are funded by the Government."

IT - David Adams, nine, and David Godwin, 92

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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