GRANDMA Mary Taylor fears the internet age has left thousands feeling ‘isolated and disadvantaged’ – but hopes a new website will make getting online less scary for the over-50s.

Mary, 51, is editor of Gransnet Local for the Blackburn area, a website launched today offering grandparents the chance to share information, discuss local issues and offer opportunities to meet.

Mary, of Richmond Avenue, Haslingden, was made redundant in 2011 but set about establishing a UK Online Centre in Rossendale offering internet lessons, which has been running successfully for the last two years.

This work made her an obvious choice to set up the Gransnet site for Blackburn and surrounding area.

Mary, who has two granddaughters, said: “I’m really pleased with how things are going.

“I like to see people get online so they don’t miss out on things. Once they get started, most people do enjoy it and pick things up quickly.

“This will give people over the age of 50 somewhere to meet online, but we’ll also be arranging face-to-face meet-ups.”

Mary will be responsible for making sure the site is packed with information about local issues, groups and events such as art exhibitions, pilates classes, places to take grandchildren, craft groups and campaigns. Geraldine Bedell, who heads the national Gransnet website, said the local sites would help pull together people who might otherwise feel lonely and cut off.

She added: “Our members have already started meeting up of their own accord and local sites will make that much easier.

“Gransnet Local will extend the support and friendship we offer online into meet-ups and will provide a forum to discuss everything that’s going on locally.”

Lastminute.com founder Martha Lane Fox, who was appointed UK Digital Champion by Prime Minister David Cameron, to encourage people to get online, said: “Many older people in the UK are still not online, leaving them potentially isolated and at a disadvantage. I welcome the launch of Gransnet Local, which will offer an incentive to people to get online to find out what’s happening in their area and connect with others, and take the friendship and support that Gransnet already offers into a wider community.”

To see the site, go to: http://local.gransnet.com/blackburn.