A PIONEERING scheme, which has made Internet access in the region more widely available than ever before, yesterday revealed a new extension to its work.

The CommuniGate initiative run by Newsquest North-East, publishers of The Northern Echo, launched a mobile service which will be integral to bringing the worldwide web to even more local communities.

The CommuniGate bus, which was unveiled at Darlington town hall by the town's MP Alan Milburn, was hailed as a ground-breaking addition to the service.

Starting next week, the bus - equipped with six laptop computers, tables and seating areas - will be providing travelling workshops throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire.

CommuniGate has already proved a huge success since it was founded in September, with 2,232 non-profit organisations setting up their own websites free of charge.

But the new bus will see even more charities, associations and community groups - particularly in previously inaccessible rural areas - being given the chance to get to grips with the latest technology.

Funding for the mini-bus conversion has come from Barclays, and the mobile communications for workshops from Orange.

Northumbria University has provided other funding, while Sales and Marketing Services offers digital cameras to those behind the website named Pick of the Month.

At yesterday's launch, David Kelly, managing director of Newsquest North-East, said: "I am certain that there is no enterprise of this kind anywhere in the UK.

"No other organisation in the land can have this network of associations and groups, and we are very proud of that."

Mr Milburn said: "I think this is a fantastic initiative. It's marvellous that Barclays and Orange have put so much effort into this.

"It is fitting that this initiative is launched here, as the North-East is the home of community and The Northern Echo is a very successful community-based newspaper."

Stella McRae, Barclays' community manager, said: "The greatest thing about this project is the pulling together of so many companies to give a really valuable service to the community.

"Barclays is committed to local communities and we are very proud to be involved in this."

Following the launch, the bus travelled to the Water Park in Middleton St George, near Darlington, where community leaders welcomed the facilities it offers.

Doris Jones, chairwoman of the parish council, which has a website with CommuniGate, said she would be keen to see the bus in the village for regular workshops.

"I think it's absolutely fantastic that we can have a facility like this, which can just park up in villages or anywhere else," she said.

Next Friday, from 10am to noon, the bus will be at the Maidendale House community centre, on the Darlington Firthmoor estate, as part of Adult Learners' Week.

The Northern Echo will have a reporter on board to speak to people about any issues affecting the estate.

* CommuniGate, which is still providing the means to create and host free websites, can be accessed at www.communigate.co.uk/ne