TV business personality Bianca Miller was in Croydon to announce a pilot scheme to boost the digital skills of residents – the first of its kind in London.

The Apprentice 2014 runner-up hosted the launch of Go On UK’s year-long pilot programme at Matthew’s Yard on Monday.

The charity claims 22 per cent of Croydon small businesses lack confidence using the internet, while 85,000 residents “do not have the five basic digital skills needed to succeed in our evolving digital age”.

Essential digital skills include applying for jobs, securing data and banking online, the charity says.

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Monday's launch of Go On UK's pilot programme in Croydon

The 12-month pilot programme, in collaboration with Croydon Council, will aim to target those who have the least access to digital training, including the homeless and families in poverty.

Go On UK charity is chaired by Martha Lane Fox, one of the founders of lastminute.com.

Croydon Council leader Tony Newman said: “We want to make sure we are leading the way in developing and embracing new technology that better connects people and businesses. Strong digital skills are vital to Croydon’s economic growth and we want to make sure that nobody gets left behind.”

For details, visit go-on.co.uk.