THERE might not be such thing as a free lunch but there is certainly such a thing as free web space.

Most people get some web pages as part of the deal with their Internet Service Provider such as BT or Freeserve and there are plenty of suppliers online as well.

In the hunt for somewhere to put your pages check out www.thefreesite.com.

However, if you are part of a non-profit making organisation, then a scheme being launched tomorrow by The Northern Echo could help you out.

Through our web site www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk, readers in the North-East and North Yorkshire can build their own Internet sites as part of our CommuniGate scheme.

It is designed to make life simple for community projects, self-help groups, clubs and associations who want to raise their profile by getting onto the World Wide Web.

The groups will be able to create up to ten news and information pages, put pictures online, add e-mail forwarding and put on a message board, links page and contact details. And it is all absolutely free.

The CommuniGate scheme is being launched across the country by Newsquest, the publishers of The Northern Echo, the Darlington & Stockton Times, Clarion and Advertiser series.

It has already been tried in other parts of the country and in Essex, where the community pages have become almost as popular as the local news on the This is Essex web site.

No Internet experience is needed because our community web editor, Alison Nicholson can help out if needed.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme should contact Alison on 01325 505270 or by e-mail