YORKSHIRE Tourist Board is using high-technology to sell itself throughout the world at the click of a button.

And the idea is to turn their new web site into a one-stop international shop for all the products traditionally associated with Yorkshire.

The new site - www.yorkshire marketplace.com - was launched to coincide with Yorkshire Day last Wednesday, and the site has proved its worth within days.

Orders have already come in from countries far and near - including one from Brunei.

At the moment Yorkshire merchandise, maps, books, city guides and videos can be ordered and paid for through the site.

And plans for the future include expanding the range of products available by introducing individual 'virtual shops' selling the produce the county is famous for.

The idea is to create a market place on-line that reflects the sort of shopping experience that can be found in the region's market towns - and featuring famous Yorkshire brands.

The chief executive of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, David Andrews, said: "The importance of on-line buying should never be underestimated.

"According to all the forecasts around 414 million people had internet access at the end of 2000. That number will continue to grow strongly over the next five years, reaching more than one billion by the end of 2005."

The board has already had very strong and positive feedback from companies across the county who want to get involved in the ambitious project.

Companies have shown themselves keen on advertising as well as selling via the site, which can also be accessed via www.yorkshirevisitor.com