A TEXT messaging scheme for Test Valley residents won a national media award this week.

Political magazine the New Statesmen awarded Test Valley Borough Council the winner of the 'On the Move' category in their 2003 New Media Awards. A total of 22 other initiatives were competing in this category.

The awards recognise projects that embrace new technology, fresh thinking and creative management. The key themes of this year's awards were 'innovation, accessibility and efficiency' with awards going to organisations who could demonstrate a service to society.

Leisure portfolio holder Cllr Caroline Nokes travelled to London to collect the award from MP Charles Clarke. Cllr Nokes said: "The judges were very impressed with Test Valley's commitment to using new media and technologies to keep local residents informed.

"The text messaging service is very popular, and gives an instant method of communicating with interested individuals.

"What is important is that the information is targeted and relevant, and the Test Valley service certainly achieves that aim."

TXT.IT has almost 600 local people signed up to receive the latest news on leisure events, activities and facilities taking place in the borough.

Users receive information about council activities as well as the latest updates and special offers from other providers such as Cricklade College and Valley Leisure. Test Valley Borough Council is one of the first council's in the country working with Sunderland based company Messageflow Ltd to provide this type of service.

To register for the scheme either, visit www.testvalley. gov.uk and register online, complete a freepost TXT.IT postcard, available throughout the borough or text free on 07736 101010 and type: REG followed by one or all of the following topics, EVENTS, ARTS, SPORTS or TVBCNEWS.