AN ARGOS store in Winsford is offering free tablets and internet for a year as part of a drive to get people more digital savvy.

The retailer will host a number of digital workshops at participating stores, which it says will provide practical skills, access and technology to some of the 9.5million Brits who are still not online.

Argos Internet Workshop attendees will also receive a tablet and a voucher redeemable for free broadband from TalkTalk for a year.

John Walden, Chief Executive of Home Retail Group, which owns Argos, said: “The digital revolution continues apace, however, millions remain on the side-lines.

“Argos Internet Workshops have been developed to help people overcome the barriers of access and affordability and improve their knowledge, understanding and confidence in digital technology.

“The internet is becoming increasingly essential in day-to-day life, and offers a world of new possibilities that we believe everyone should be able to access.”

Staff will help attendees learn the basics of how to use a tablet, connect to and surf the internet, use a search engine, set up email, stay safe online and more.

Baroness Lane-Fox, Chair of digital skills charity Go ON UK, said: “As many areas of everyday life become ‘digital by default’, with a number of government and business services becoming accessible only online, we need to ensure that everyone has the digital skills needed to participate in our evolving digital age.

“Access, affordability and skills have all been cited as key barriers to bringing people online and this fantastic initiative from Argos is exactly the type of programme we need to help people become more confident with technology.”

The workshops will kick off at the end of this month and will run through to mid-January 2015. Workshops cost £20 per person.