The competition, open to young web developers (aged 18 and under) is part of the Cable & Wireless Childnet Academy 2005 www.childnetacademy.org. Winners will be invited to attend the week-long Academy in Jamaica next Easter, where they will be offered specialist web support, technical advice and leadership training by a team of internet experts.  The deadline for competition entries is 6 December 2004.

The initiative, run by Internet charity Childnet International and Cable & Wireless, aims to recognise the outstanding creativity of children and young people who are developing online projects to benefit young people worldwide.

Last year's winners included 17-year old Joanne Evans, a wheelchair user from the UK, who is the co-creator of a website that acts as an information bureau for young disabled people.  She said:

"The Academy brought together a family of people united by technology and the Internet.  It also provided an excellent learning experience and a great deal of fun!"

Young people with limited access to technology but who have a 'new idea' for the Internet can enter the competition's New to the Net category.  Entries are also being invited for the competition's Individual & Schools categories.

As well as the trip, winners will receive a share of a special J$3.45-million web development prize fund, established by Cable & Wireless to help participants develop their own websites.

Cable & Wireless Jamaica President, Jacqueline Holding, said:

"Cable & Wireless is proud to support this competition to encourage young people to use the Internet in a positive way and I hope to see a huge number of entries from young people here in Jamaica.  Information communications technology is at the heart of our business and the Academy demonstrates how young people are using ICT to express their creativity, share ideas and benefit young people across the world."

Stephen Carrick-Davies, CEO of Childnet International says:

"Young people are using the Internet to communicate, learn and interact with each other - often in a highly creative and inspirational way.  The Academy aims to recognise the excellent work of many young people who are using the Internet safely and positively to the benefit of young people around the world."

For more information and details of how to enter on-line see www.childnetacademy.org.