REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast is developing a virtual town portal for the Wear Valley to assist businesses and community organisations to get online and begin trading.

In conjunction with that, One NorthEast is offering a number of full-service e-commerce packages free for a year - with no obligation.

The packages available will provide companies with a free mini website within the Wear Valley portal. Visit www.barnard-castle.com to view a completed portal site.

The offer will include options for businesses to integrate an online trading suite (e-commerce).

No extra financial investment is required. Businesses can start building mini websites by logging on to www.getmestarted.co.uk

For more details, businesses are invited to attend on Tuesday, at Helme Park Hall Hotel, near Fir Tree, Crook, at 10am to noon, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.