AN innovative Internet scheme set up by The Northern Echo to help community groups in the region has already helped more than 1,000 organisations to create their own website.

The CommuniGate scheme became an instant success when it was launched in September 2000, and continued to grow with more and more groups coming forward to get on-line.

The initiative was designed to offer free advice to non-profit making organisations across the region to build their own website, and this week the Bridge Enterprise Centre, in South Stanley, became the 1,000th group to sign up.

The Northern Echo community web editor, Alison Nicholson, said she was pleased that so many organisations had come forward to take advantage of the scheme. She said: "The success of CommuniGate just shows that people in the North-East are among the most innovative in the country, and the scheme is all about helping groups take control and get their message out there.

"This is completely free and we are more than happy to help groups set up and design their own website, and they are always welcome to call us if they need extra help.

"The Northern Echo is proud that we can offer this service, which is more personal and helps groups step by step. Many tell us they found setting up their website so much easier then they expected."

There are more than 100,000 visits per month to the many websites linked to the CommuniGate scheme, and that is expected to continue to grow.

It has been designed for people who do not have special web-writing skills and aims to help them raise their profile. It has received support from high-profile figures in the region, most notably Prime Minister Tony Blair, who logged on to the site during a recent visit to The Northern Echo offices.

Another part of the scheme has been the Pick of the Month award, which gives extra exposure to groups who make extra effort with their sites.

To find out more, visit The Northern Echo website at www.communitynne.co.uk or call Alison Nicholson on (01325) 505270