Linking people together is what the Internet is all about, and what it is best at.

Whether you want to communicate with someone on the other side of the world or a person in the same village who shares your interests, the World Wide Web has helped people build countless relationships.

And to help people get together, we have some new features at this website.

First, for those people who have lost touch with a friend or relative, we have this week launched a Trace A Friend section.

Simply submit your details and those of the person you are looking for and let the power of the Internet help in your search.

Of course, you can always check whether anyone is looking for you at the same time.

The website also makes it possible for people to use the joint buying power of a group to get the best prices on goods.

Just click on our "marketplace" section and see what products are currently on offer with the Buyit2gether option.

And finally, you just never know quite what's on your doorstep but it could be worth a check under your town name to see who has put themselves online through our CommuniGate scheme. The CommuniGate websites are free to non-profit making organisations.

So whether you're into model railways or women's windsurfing, there could be others who share your passion closer to home than you think.

Published: Thursday, April 12th