LIBRARIES across Redcar and Cleveland are now offering free internet access for all.

With welfare reform changes set to come into force, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has lifted all charges for people wanting to get online in its 13 libraries.

People had previously paid charges of £1 for an hour, £3 for three months' or £10 for a year's unlimited use.

Councillor Olwyn Peters, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "Internet use in our libraries has always proved extremely popular. We had 51,447 people taking advantage in the last year alone.

"We hope that, by removing these charges, even more people will take the opportunity to get themselves online."

Access is now free at libraries in Brotton, Dormanstown, Grangetown, Guisborough, Laburnum Road in Redcar, Loftus, Marske, Ormesby, Redcar, Roseberry, Saltburn, Skelton and South Bank.

Anyone who has bought three-month or 12-month packages will have their library account credited for use of any library service, such printing, DVD hire or books.