A Tablet Loan Scheme will launch in Penarth library later this month.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council will be supporting the new Vale Tablet Loan Scheme, which sees Vale Library Services launch Wales' first tablet lending service for library members across the county.

The project is set to be introduced on Monday October 28, with hopes it will help combat social isolation and improve digital literacy by allowing members to borrow the 4G enabled iPads.

The tablets will be pre-loaded with helpful services such as online library services, health and wellbeing apps, as well as information about community services.

It is estimated that around 45,000 library members are eligible and will be able to benefit from the service.

All Vale of Glamorgan libraries will be participating in the scheme.

The tablet lending program is being led by Newydd Housing Association and Digital Communities Wales, with funding received through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

This is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council, Newydd Housing Association, Hale Construction and WK Plasterers are amongst those also supporting the scheme.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration said, "Many people across the Vale of Glamorgan do not have regular access to the internet and as a result find themselves excluded from a wealth of resources and essential services.

''This innovative project supports library members to loan iPad's as easily as they can borrow books.

''We hope that the project will help those who need access to the internet and technology the most."