Every non-profit making organisation in Nottinghamshire is being offered the key to unlock the power of the internet.

The Nottingham Evening Post has launched the Beehive Community Network to provide a free Internet site to every voluntary and non-profit organisation in the county.

It has been put into place through Northcliffe Electronic Publishing (Midlands) to improve the quality of life for local people and will be driven by the expertise of a specially recruited team.

Already nearly 100 local organisations covering the whole community spectrum have become part of The Beehive in Notts - and more are waiting to go online.

Paul Randall (CVS) with NEP's Bimmy Rai

The Post itself is hoping to secure the sponsorship and support of a major local business which has a commitment to the community and which can raise the profile of the innovative project in partnership with the paper.

At the head of The Beehive Community Network project is a voluntary sector co-ordinator with experience and commitment to help voluntary groups improve the service they offer.

Community Publishing Manager Bimmy Rai, who has been involved in the voluntary sector for 14 years, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the non-profit sector to have a presence on the Internet. This is a valuable resource for the community and I'm committed to ensuring it becomes a great success."

Alongside The Beehive, a website is to be created giving local people the opportunity to let the Post know what is happening.

Evening Post assistant editor Neil White said: "The interests of local communities throughout the county have always been at the top of our list of priorities as a newspaper and this latest innovation confirms our commitment to supporting and helping our readers."

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