Bradford's nimble fingered typists are being challenged to test themselves in a race against the clock.

In a light-hearted attempt to highlight the importance of training, Pitman Training, based in Merchant House in Peckover Street in Little Germany, Bradford, is holding heats in the annual national Pitman speed typing contest. According to the group, UK organisations are wasting up to £34billion a year by failing to train their staff in basic keyboard skills.

They believe proper training could save staff up to an hour a day each, and help avoid painful cases of Repetitive Strain Injury. Pitman Director Tony Stevens (pictured competing with colleague Victoria Whalley in a typewriter v word processor contest) said: "Everyone uses a computer at work but very few people are as productive as they might be."

The winner will get a trip to a top health farm, free training, and a trip to the final to compete against the other regional winners in the national finals in London.

Anyone who would like to take part can contact Tony Stevens on Bradford 01274 709730. The test is free and takes about ten minutes. The local heats run until May 10.