INTERNET cafes in locations as different as a launderette and Timbuktu were honoured with awards today.

The competition, organised by Yahoo! Mail, was based on more than 1,000 nominations from around the world.

The company's MD, Communication Products Yahoo! Europe, James Bilefield, said the awards showed how the concept of internet cafes was still fresh and relevant.

He said: "It's now second nature for travellers and people on the move to use the local internet café to keep up with the news from home and to tell friends and family where they have been. However many internet cafes also provide an essential service for the local community, and in the developing world, a place where people can learn from the internet and communicate with others around the globe."

Elderly

One of the winners was an internet cafe set up by residents of a care home. JJ's Cybernet Cafe grew out of an interest among those at the home in Swansea to learn more about computers.

It officially opened in March and its two computers are now used by silver surfers aged 62 to 90 to search the internet and send e-mails to friends and family around the world.

The enterprise impressed organisers of a contest to find the best internet cafes in the world so much they decided to give it a special award.

Mary Beniamous, manager of the council-run Ty Waunarlwydd home, said: "The cafe users are delighted to have won this special award.

"The residents feel that people of an older age are still able to learn about new technology and acquire new skills.

"We have had e-mails from as far afield at America and Singapore asking us about our unusual cafe.

"It is proving more popular and useful than we had ever expected."

Lyn Hughes, editor of Wanderlust magazine and one of the competition judges, said: "It's great that this age group is getting the chance to learn how to e-mail and keep in touch with their grandchildren.

"It really has changed the way these two generations communicate.

"This really is a very special cafe, which deserved a special commendation."

Best

The best UK internet cafe was Cafe Curve in Brighton, described as a "must for anyone who likes style, comfort, typing and keeping in touch".

The award for most unusual internet cafe went to Brain Wash, in San Francisco, which is based in a launderette.

The most remote internet cafe went to Tele Centre Polyvalent, in Timbuktu, in the West African country of Mali.

The world's first internet cafe, Cafe Cyberia, opened in London's West End 10 years ago.

Do you think the internet cafe is still relevant? Tell us your favourite below.