THE 2,000th shop has been added to a growing list of secure UK shopping websites operated by an online shopping portal.

Shopsafe.co.uk lists approved retailers' websites and is designed to give the public greater confidence when shopping online.

The portal, which is run from offices in Darlington, County Durham, was started in January 1999.

Michael Price, spokesman for Shopsafe, said: "Now with 2,000 shops listed, we believe we offer customers an unparalleled selection of safe, secure and well designed online shopping sites.

"There are websites listed on Shopsafe selling every type of product you can think of, making shopping online more varied and easier than ever before."

"Shopping on the Internet has become really popular. We are seeing a great number of sales within fashion, mobile phones and electrical goods as customers gain confidence in buying online."

Shopsafe.co.uk offers advice about shopping on the Internet and lists online retailers that have met its code of practice.

It has 37 departments containing well-known high street and online stores as well as many other sites selling niche products.