A WEBSITE dedicated to cute little rodents has scooped The Northern Echo's monthly CommuniGate competition.

All Things Guinea Pig has been awarded the Pick of the Month prize under the CommuniGate project, which has already helped dozens of voluntary organisations in the region.

The scheme helps non-profit making groups promote themselves free on the Internet through The Northern Echo website, at thisis thenortheast.co.uk

The guinea pig website, run by rodent lover Elizabeth Lee, beat off some stiff competition to take the Pick of the Month title, which is sponsored by electrical firm Currys.

Miss Lee, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, is an avid guinea pig fan and her website is full of useful tips on how to care for the animals.

She said: "I'm really pleased to have won the Pick of the Month award, and I'm a little bit surprised. I'm mad about guinea pigs so it is great fun running the site. The response from fellow guinea pig lovers has been tremendous." The prize includes a software package from Currys, and her website will be highlighted on the CommuniGate front page all this month.

The runner-up website, run by the Darlington and District Scouts, will also get a plug on the CommuniGate page. The scheme has proved a massive success for previous winners, with July's top site, Durham County Football Club, enjoying almost 450 more hits than in June.

To find out more about CommuniGate contact Alison Nicholson on (01325) 505270, or e-mail community@nen.co.uk. Visit All Things Guinea Pig at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/guineapig/, and the scouts' website, at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/scoutsdarlingtondistrict