HOMESICK Geordies from around the world have been bombarding a website dedicated to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Gateshead Borough Council's www.tynebridgewebcam.com site has attracted around 1.2 million hits, with well over half of the visitors coming from outside the UK.

The webcam, which is sponsored by Telewest, has provided views of the new bridge since the camera was installed two months ago.

Far-flung visits have come from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Israel, South America and even sub-Saharan Africa.

The US has provided the most hits, with Virginia, California, Connecticut and New York state being the most popular homes of surfers.

Internet surfers can also access the site at www.gateshead-quays.com, which provides information on the current development of Gateshead Quays.