THEY are behind some of the most informative websites in Hampshire, enhancing the lives of thousands of people locally and across the world.

The winners of the Hantsweb Awards 2003, which recognise community website excellence in Hampshire, have just been revealed at Intech, Winchester's interactive science and technology centre.

Guests of honour at the special ceremony, hosted by BBC South's entertaining Freddie Rostand included the Queen's representative in Hampshire, Lord Lieutenant Mary Fagan, and former BBC political commentator Bruce Parker.

This countywide scheme attracted more than 400 nominations representing a diverse range of interests, from businesses to charities, with web hits from as far as the Australian Outback.

These were whittled down to a shortlist of just 26 finalists by a panel of expert judges.

One of the winners, Dr David Flavell of Southampton-based medical research charity Leukaemia Busters, said: "We feel very honoured - the site is increasingly im-portant in the role of the charity.''

County council leader Councillor Ken Thornber paid tribute to the sponsors, adding: "Their participation has undoubtedly helped the county council raise awareness of the many excellent websites which help to make life easier and more enjoyable for Hampshire residents.''

Winners received a trophy, and runner-ups a range of computer-related prizes. The awards were also supported by business Link Wessex.

RESULTS:

ACCESSIBILITY sponsored by Microsoft

Andover Methodist Circuit: www.andover.christian.nu -

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service: www.hantsfire.gov.uk - winner

BEST ONLINE SERVICE sponsored by SAP

Chandler's Ford Online: www.chandlersfordonline.com

Eteach UK Ltd, Yateley: www.eteach.com - winner

BEST PUBLIC ACCESS POINT TO THE INTERNET

The Byte Internet Caf and Training Centre, Winchester

Eastpoint Centre Cyber Cafe, Southampton - winner

COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION

Hampshire County Federation of Women's Institutes: www.hampshirewi.org.uk

Hart First Response, Fleet: www.hartfirstresponse.org.uk

Ladder4Learning: www.ladder4learning.org.uk - winner

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS sponsored by UK Fire International

New Net, Fareham: www.newnet.co.uk

Rod Jolley Coachbuilding Ltd, Lymington: www.rodjolley.com

TDS Saddlers, Four Marks: www.tds-saddlers.com - winner

PUBLIC SECTOR sponsored by Bartlett Scott Edgar Recruitment Services

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service: www.hantsfire.gov.uk

Havant Borough Council: www.havant.gov.uk - winner

RURAL COMMUNITY sponsored by the county council's economic development department

Hampshire Farmers' Markets Ltd: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

The Real Flower Company, Petersfield: www.realflowers.co.uk - winner

SCHOOLS

Bay House School Design & Technology department, Alverstoke: www.bayhouse.hants.sch.uk/technology/techhome.html - winner

Rowledge Cof E (Controlled) Primary School: Farnham, www.rowledge.hants.sch.uk

SPECIAL INTEREST

Leukaemia Busters, Southampton: www.leukaemiabusters.org.uk - winner

Playing Out Loud, Southampton: www.playingoutloud.co.uk

Visit & Learn, Old Portsmouth: www.visitandlearn.co.uk

HMS Endurance Tracking Project

TOWN OR PARISH COUNCIL

Barton Stacey Parish Council, Winchester: www.bartonstacey.com

Fawley Parish Council: www.fawley-hants.co.uk

Grateley Parish Council: Andover, www.grateley.co.uk - winner

YOUTH sponsored by Synstar

Freedom Youth, Basingstoke: www.freedom-youth.freeserve.co.uk - winner

Find out more in December's issue of Hampshire Business South Magazine, published next month.