Libraries have been handed more than £700,000 in a bid to ensure everyone has access to the internet.

The cash will be used to provide more than 200 extra computers at libraries throughout East Sussex, meaning almost 250 PCs with high-speed internet links will be available for community use.

Eight library authorities in England will share in more than £3.8 million of National Lottery money. East Sussex has been allocated £740,071.

A pilot computer network will be available at Eastbourne library from December and all libraries will have the new computers by December 2002.

Most libraries will have at least one workstation for those with special needs as well as a suite of adapted computers at the Hillcrest Equal Access Centre in Newhaven.

Several PCs will be designated for children's use, with filtered internet access, and all computers will be linked to the South-East Grid for Learning.

The public will be encouraged to visit East Sussex County Council's web site and use its electronic services.