WITHOUT the CommuniGate network, the Friends of Eastbourne Park would not be able to publicise its work to a global audience.

Now its website has been named the Pick of the Month for April among The Northern Echo's network.

The group was awarded a digital camera, which it will use to enhance the website.

Group chairman Diane Gelson said: "I used to be a bit of a duffer on computers. It is only because of CommuniGate we could use the web. We were thrilled to win."

The camera, presented by Sharna Gibson, CommuniGate assistant, will be used to take more photographs of the park to add to the website. The camera was supplied by Sales & Marketing Direct Ltd, of Darlington.

The group was launched last year as a sub-group of the Bank Top Community Partnership. The website was set up only nine months ago.

The site - at www. communigate.co.uk/ne/foep -includes meeting dates, minutes, details of projects and this year's action plan.

Community web editor Karen Maughan said: "The site has been made interactive, with the inclusion of a messageboard, a guestbook and a mail form so that anyone interested in joining the group can get in touch.

"There is also an event calendar with information about forthcoming events in the park."

For more details of the service, log on to www.communigate. co.uk/ne or call Ms Maughan on (01325) 505270.