RESIDENTS of Teesside's industrial centres will embrace the latest technology at the launch of a website.

Tees Valley Communities Online has its inauguration at the University of Teesside on Friday, October 20.

Among those taking part will be representatives of seven of Teesside's steel communities, who will come together to celebrate their heritage and look forward to a brighter future with the help of new technologies.

The website, backed by Europe, is being launched as part of the BBC's History 2000 event, which includes a History Week from Saturday to next Friday.

Representatives from South Bank, Grangetown, Dormanstown, Owton/Rossmere, North Ormesby, Skinningrove and St Hilda's will attend.

Steve Thompson, project manager of Tees Valley Community Online, said technology is providing hope for the future.

"Many of us believe that new technology and the Internet could be as important to the future economic regeneration of these communities in the 21st Century as the iron and steel industries were in the 19th and 20th Centuries," he said.

"To introduce local residents to the power and possibilities of these technologies, we are focusing on the history and heritage of steel in the Tees Valley.

"The response has been incredibly encouraging, with residents coming forward with photographs, stories and other artefacts - many of which will be on show at the launch."

People will be able to access the site at www.tvco.org.uk