The ‘Brek n Tech Drop-in’ allows those who are nervous about laptops and tablets to handle and practice on a range of equipment to help them understand the benefits of getting online.

Sponsored by the Big Lottery Fund, the drop-in is a project being run by Townsend School Parent-Teacher Association and is being coordinated by award-winning St Albans social enterprise Smarterthinking.

It will be hosted by school sixth-formers on term-time Saturdays, from 10am to 12noon, at Townsend School in High Oaks, St Albans.

The school’s vice-chair of governors, Helen Quenet, said: “This project is being run by the school as part of our service to the local community.

“It allows those who feel isolated by the pace of change to explore the technology in an informal and supportive environment.

“Although particularly suitable for novices and beginners, all are welcome, even if they just want to pop in for a coffee and a croissant.”

Founder of Smarterthinking, Peter Kelleher, added: “We are delighted to assist the school’s initiative to help local people with their technology issues in addition to supporting an existing project in Marshalwick.

“It is becoming increasingly important for people to be online even to access the most basic of government services and we would be happy to help other groups establish a drop-in service of their own.

“We look forward to seeing as many people as possible at this new weekly drop-in.”

The service is free and booking is not required.