A homeless people's project has opened a computer internet cafe at a cost of almost £39,000.

The computer technology learning centre at the Emmaus project in Portslade features ten computer work stations with internet access and £6,000 worth of software.

A section is open to disadvantaged members of the public such as the homeless, unemployed or low-income families who do not have access to computer technology.

Another section is for the use of Emmaus project members.

The facilities give people a chance to learn about computers in a fun environment and computer games are among the software on offer.

The centre, which was funded by the Government Office of the South-East, was opened by Ken Bodfish, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, yesterday.

The Emmaus project in Grove Road was opened more than six years ago. It provides a home and employment for homeless people who live together as a community.

Community members run the Second Hand Superstore on the site, which sells second hand goods, and a cafe, which has now been expanded into the computer and internet cafe.

The project has 400 people living at the site and is one of nine Emmaus schemes in the UK and 400 in the world.

Dominic Dring, who runs the Portslade project and lives on site with his family, said: "The centre will enable members of the community who would be excluded from accessing IT, an opportunity to access it at a very affordable price.

"The internet cafe is another way for us to provide resources for those in need."

Coun Bodfish said: "The Emmaus community has proved a real success story and I am delighted to be able to officially open their new venture.

"This is a prime example of how regeneration funding can be used to promote sustainable solutions for social inclusion."