The government unveiled the first stage of its £300m "next-generation learning" scheme today as it puts in place plans to narrow the digital divide in Britain.

Some 20,000 youngsters aged seven to 18 in Suffolk and Oldham will receive free computers, software, internet access and technical support.

Schools minister Jim Knight explained that the scheme was designed to promote the educational benefits of IT.

"There has to be a culture where families see that home access is as important as making sure their children have pen, paper and calculator at school," he said.

"The bottom line is that having home access to the internet or a computer is no longer an optional extra for school work - it is fast becoming essential."

From 2009 the scheme will be rolled out to 150,000 children in families nationwide on annual incomes of less than £15,500.

Alongside this, marketing campaigns will be run to sell the benefits of computer access to those who can afford it but need to be convinced of its value to children.

IT vendors will be asked to apply for approved supplier status for the scheme.