People who received a technical device for Christmas and are unsure how to use it are being urged to call on Dorset's volunteer digital champions for help.

Dorset Council has a team of volunteers who provide both face-to-face and over-the-phone support to anyone who needs help with technical issues – including how to use and set up a new tablet, smartphone or laptop.

The volunteer digital champions run advice sessions at libraries and community centres across the county.

And between 10am and 12noon every weekday, residents can also get help over the phone by calling the Dorset Digital Hotline on 01305 221048.

Dorset Council's portfolio holder for Customer Services, Cllr Laura Beddow, said: "Being digital and getting online can make people's lives so much easier.

"We would urge anyone who needs help getting to grips with using their new smartphone, tablet or laptop to visit one of our digital advice sessions or call the Digital Hotline.

"Our volunteer digital champions are incredibly kind, helpful and patient and their advice is helping thousands of Dorset residents."

In Dorset, 11% of residents are completely offline and another 20% lack all the essential digital skills needed to get online.

For some people that means although they like their new Christmas gadget, they just do not know how to make the most use of it.

Digital champion, Julie Saunders, said: "If you have received a new device for Christmas or even if you are using an old one, the digital champions are here to help.

"We all need help using a computer or device at times so don't be afraid to ask.

"Whether you want to learn something new, check that everything is working as it should or even because you are frustrated because the computer just says 'no'! call or come and see us - we can't promise to solve every problem, but we'll have a very good try."

To find out where face-to-face digital advice sessions are held go to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/volunteer-digital-champions or call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 12noon) for more information and to book.