One of the UK's largest office skills training firms has opened for business in Bradford.

Pitman Training, originally known for its famous shorthand systems, now enjoys a reputation as one of the country's leading IT trainers.

The Bradford franchise was opened yesterday by director Tony Stevens at Merchant's House in Peckover Street, Little Germany.

Mr Stevens said he was confident demand for new technology and Internet skills was high in the district.

He said: "Almost every job now needs at least a basic understanding of word processing or spreadsheets, and the government has just announced that the job market is short of around one million people with decent IT skills.

"People with the right skills are going to walk into jobs. Pitman has training centres in more than 90 locations around the UK and Ireland, and I thought it was about time the people of Bradford got the same opportunities."

The new centre aims to be flexible by allowing students to fit the training around other work or family commitments, with courses split into handy two hour modules. It will also offer some evening and weekend slots for those with busy diaries, with students receiving a Pitman Training certificate on completion.

The company also plans to offer tailored IT training programmes to help new graduates, school leavers, and women returning to work after a break.

A growing interest in computers among the senior population in the district will also be addressed.

"The so-called 'silver surfers' are alive and well and living in Bradford," explained Mr Stevens.

"We have seen a huge increase in interest from the over 50s, who want to surf the Internet and e-mail their friends and families around the world."

Pitman Training is offering more than 70 courses, for complete beginners through to IT expert levels, at its Bradford base.

Would-be students can find out more by calling (01274) 709730.