ENTRIES are pouring in from across the world for a competition to find the region's top community website.

The CommuniGate initiative is run by Newsquest North-East, publisher of The Northern Echo, and has seen more than 2,000 local groups establish free websites.

First prize is £3,000, with two runners-up collecting £1,000. Sites are being judged on content, usefulness and how effectively they promote their group or charity.

The competition is open to sites built through CommuniGate and those that will be established by the end of next month. Judging will begin in early December.

Entries should include the name, web address and reason for nomination. The closing date is November 30.

Entries can be sent to Karen Maughan, Community Web Editor, Newsquest North-East, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF, or at www.communigate.co.uk/ne