A NEW neighbourhood group has been set up in Marston to bring the community closer together and help older people get up to speed with computer skills.

The New Marston Hub is run by Pastor Marcus Roberts of the Rivers of Life Church.

The first meeting earlier this month began with a harvest buffet and was followed by a showcase of local entertainment and a sing-a-long.

Stalls provided information on lift sharing and nearby coffee mornings, plus mother and toddler groups.

A main focus of the hub is to give help and advice to older people on how to use computers.

Pastor Roberts also owns Marcus Roberts Pianos, in St Clement’s.

He said: “The idea of the hub is to connect neighbours in Marston and bring people together. We had about 120 people attend the event and it was great to see to see the community coming together.

“The springboard for what we have done started with a street fair we organised in 2007 where people said they would like some sort of community group.

“We got a mix of ages coming to the hub, but we are focused on reaching out to the elderly who are on their own.

“We are also trying to get the elderly up to speed on computers, so that they don’t feel like they are getting left behind.”

Pastor Roberts said he would like to see the hub, which was held at the United Reformed Church Building, Marston Road, take place on a monthly basis.

City councillor Mary Clarkson said: “There were a good few people at the New Marston Hub and I welcome the initiative.

“Most of the people there were linked to Pastor Roberts’ church group and I think he would like to widen it out.”