Residents of Teesside's former steel working communities launched themselves into cyber space this afternoon.

Called Steel Valley, the event at the University of Teesside saw the official launch of Tees Valley Communities Online project which has put the ex-steel areas on the world wide web.

Community groups in Owton- Rossmere, Dormanstown, Grangetown, South Bank, North Ormesby, St Hilda's and Skinningrove have been working on web pages which gives details about life in those areas.

The project is funded by the European Union and aims to use the Internet as a means of fostering community development and economic regeneration.

Speaking at the launch, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar said the Internet was a valuable tool for people in region and was not just for "the sharp young men and women in London."

He said: "The information society will need new 'steel workers' and I can see a project like this helping to create an environment where people can learn those skills."

Today's launch, which was hosted by the university and BBC History 2000 also featured performances from groups such as Tees Valley Youth Brass Bank and the Netherfield Belles as well as exhibitions from groups including the film and television archive and Better Government for Older People.

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