Bradford's first cyber caf is up and running at the refurbished Sunwin Department Store.

Sunwin has installed the state-of-the-art caf, which provides the latest broadband connection to the internet, as part of a £4 million improvement package at its flagship city centre store.

The ground floor caf, which offers coffee and connections for £3 an hour, has already proved a hit with customers of all ages.

Tony Jones, operations manager, said: "We are delighted with the response.

"Our regulars range from students who have all the know-how but perhaps can't stretch to owning their own computer, to older people who want to use the internet to get information, but would like a bit of help in relaxed surroundings to get them started.

"The best thing about it is the broadband connection, which is much faster than an ordinary telephone connection and means information can be downloaded in a fraction of the time it takes at home."

One regular surfer is 21-year-old Australian student teacher Amy Torrance. Amy, who comes from Bradford but now lives in New South Wales, is back in the city on a six-month work experience placement at Bradford Moor First School.

She said: "I come to the caf everyday because it's a quick, cheap and enjoyable way of keeping connected with my friends and family in Australia.

"I come for a coffee and send and receive about 40 emails every day - even on Sundays.

"It's great but I'm starting to feel like part of the furniture."

Following the success of the venture Sunwin Department Stores is now rolling out similar cyber cafes at its other five stores across the region.

Ilkley and Sheffield have already opened for business, while more are planned for Malton, Rochdale and Harrogate.

Sunwin has completed its refurbishment on the ground and first floors of the building.

Refurbishment of the second and third floors is due to be completed by August.

The Bradford cyber caf is open for business from 9am to 5.15pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm Sunday.