An internet giant launched a scheme to help independent businesses become as big as Google.

Teams from Google are running the nationwide programme to help bring small businesses' digital skills up to speed.

The Google Digital Garage Bus pulled up outside the Eagle Tavern in High Street, Rochester, on Friday for the launch.

Representatives from the search engine offered free advice and coaching for those who are not the best at browsing the internet.

Business owners could sign up to one of the training courses which will include social media strategy, improving visibility in Google searches, how to understand your business by using data and how to build a digital marketing plan.

Also on offer, were free face-to-face coaching on a 1:1 basis for people with any level of experience; from taking the first steps online, to building a personal brand on the internet.

Business Minister and representative for Rochester and Strood, Kelly Tolhurst said: “Through our modern Industrial Strategy we are backing small businesses to take advantage of the huge opportunities created by an increasingly digital economy.

“By adopting some basic digital technologies like cloud computing or e-commerce SMEs stand to benefit from increased productivity and greater earning power for their businesses.

This is why I am delighted to support Google’s Digital Garage, which should help to equip our smaller businesses with some of the essential skills they need to manage their business in the digital economy.”