Jamaica, with 53 entries, was well ahead of the United Kingdom in second place with 24, followed by India with 23, and Nigeria, United States and Iran with 19, 14, and 13 entries, respectively.

Overall, this year, 240 entries in 3 categories were received from 48 countries including Australia, India, Iran, Ireland, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, St. Vincent, Trinidad, USA and the UK.

Cable & Wireless Jamaica's Vice President Corporate Communications, Errol Miller, said: "All of us at Cable & Wireless are delighted at this enthusiastic response from our Jamaican youngsters to the Internet and the Childnet competition.  This development is most encouraging and fitting since Jamaica will host this year's award ceremony and Academy."  He added: "Cable & Wireless is ideally positioned and committed to increasing participation in initiatives such as the Childnet competition, particularly against the background of the company's provision of free internet access to primary and secondary schools.  We are also at the forefront in our country's attempt to bridge the digital divide."

The Childnet competition is administered by Childnet International, a U.K.-based international children's Internet charity, sponsored by Cable & Wireless.  The goal of the competition is to recognize the outstanding creativity of young people who develop innovative Internet projects, which bring positive benefit to other young people world-wide.  The competition is open to young people aged 18 or under, in three categories.

• Youngsters developing exciting online projects - as individuals or in conjunction with a school or not-for-profit organization.
• Youngsters with exciting, innovative, NEW IDEAS for using technology to benefit other young people.
• A 'New to the Net' category - specifically for those with new ideas and those from disadvantaged communities and developing economies.

Last year, Carrie-Ann Gordon, a 17 year-old student of Immaculate Conception High School in St. Andrew, created history by becoming the first Jamaican to top the 'New to the Net' category of the competition.