Residents in Dorset facing digital poverty can borrow an ipad from their local library.

Digital poverty is the term used to refer to those who live without, or with very minimal, access to the internet and digital technologies capable of connecting to it.

For people who may be struggling to gain access to the internet or have trouble accessing digital technology a council backed scheme is allowing them to stay connected.

Anyone aged over 18 and is a full member of the Dorset Library Service who lives in the Dorset Council is eligible to borrow a device for over a month.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Do you know someone who may be facing digital poverty?

"Some of our libraries can help by having ipad's that are available to loan for up to six weeks."

The iPads are available to borrow from libraries in Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Sherborne, Swanage and Weymouth.

The scheme is designed for anyone, including people who may have little or no previous experience in using an iPad or tablet. 

The iPads come with data so there is no need to have internet access at home. 

The devices also come with handy links to websites on employment, writing a CV and interview skills, money, claiming benefits and maintaining a Universal Credit claim, health and wellbeing and computing skills.

Library service information is provided through links to its online catalogue for apps to its eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers.