A WEBSITE has been launched as part of Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to be named a capital of culture.

To launch the site, an electronic postcard of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is being e-mailed to friends of the North-East throughout the world, enabling them to "virtually" open and close the famous landmark.

Anyone logging on to www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com will get the chance to win a weekend break at the Thistle Hotel, in Newcastle, for £1 a night.

The website will be updated daily, giving information on news events, accommodation, bars, restaurants, visitor attractions, and hotel and travel offers.

It is expected to appeal to Geordies abroad and businesses, and will be the main source of news about the area's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008.

Newcastle/Gateshead is already the English Tourism Council's top city break destination and one of the United Kingdom's top three places to visit