“Stanley and I wish to thank you all for helping us to understand a little about computers. We will use our knowledge to learn more. The time spent with you all has been great.”

These words are contained in just one of a vast array of thank you cards, sent to the IT department at the Bradford branch of Age UK.

Every year more than 500 people leave the charity’s Sunbridge Road offices having learned how to Skype their grandchildren in Australia, edit photographs, book holidays or simply send an email.

In Bradford the numbers signing up for free one-to-one tuition in IT skills, helping people to master Android or iPad devices, is increasing every year.

“People want to keep in touch with relatives abroad or in other parts of the UK,” says Peter Berresford (CORRECT), finance and IT manager at Age UK Bradford, Not everyone is looking to Skype or FaceTime but we aim to get everyone on email.”

The local rise in the number of so-called ‘silver surfers’ is reflected nationally. Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that, between 2006 and 2013, internet use more than tripled for those aged 65 and over, with many turning to the web for banking, shopping, entertainment, healthcare and communications.

The Bradford project was launched by Bradford Health Authority in conjunction with Age UK to help tackle social isolation and help people find out about activities being held in the district.

“Our Facebook page alone has details of gardening groups, walking groups, exercise classes and computer classes,” says head of commercial operations Suzanne Lovell. “It helps put people in touch.

“Some people have been able to use the internet to trace friends they have not seen for years, and to research their family’s ancestry. Nowadays your choice is more limited, for instance if you want to look at holidays, there are better deals online.”

Others, with limited mobility, may benefit from internet shopping or banking. “For people who cannot get out it is a lifeline,” says Peter.

The project relies on volunteers who give their time to teach the skills. Numbers have risen from when the project started in 2000, to 40. To date, more than 2,600 people have received training.

Since the withdrawal of health authority funding for IT in March 2014, the costs of running the project have been met by the charity’s own income. It has been able to continue thanks to donations including a recent £1,800 from Sovereign Health Care.

Research from Age UK shows that more than five million people aged 65 and over have still never used the internet. With a growing number of services moving online, many of these people could lose out on important benefits.

Says head of project operations Alan Midgley, “These skills can help people find out what financial help, or other benefits they can claim for. More older people are now choosing to stay in work, and it can help them find a job - we get referrals from the Job Centre.”

He adds: “There are still a lot of people out there who are not using new technology. There is a huge potential. We could do a lot more with more resources.”

Often the greatest barriers to technology are psychological rather than technical.

“There is a great fear of the internet among older people,” says Peter. “They worry about security, fraud and identity theft. It makes them anxious. We try to instil confidence into people, and they grow quickly in confidence as they learn.”

The charity advises on the sorts of devices that would most suit an individual’s requirements and where to buy them.

Retired teacher Elizabeth Cowling from Baildon signed up for the iPad beginners course. “I bought an iPad to be able to FaceTime my daughter in Manchester and keep in touch with her when she is away travelling. It is so useful, like walking around with a little computer. I’m learning so much here, and use it for photographs, recipes and other things.”

Peter and Jean Booth, of Lightcliffe are also learning. “We have a computer and know the basics,” says retired businessman Peter, “We do online shopping and we email friends, and we have been learning Skype.”

Tutor Laurence Davis says devices often don’t have instructions and people don’t know where to start. “They need to build confidence gradually,” he says.

Adds Alan Midgley: “The best thing is watching people’s faces when they see what they can do. It opens up a whole new world to them.”

*ageuk.org.uk/bradfordanddistrict; facebook.com/pages/Age-UK-Bradford;