RHODES is set to go global after launching itself on the worldwide web.

Web designer, Stuart Campbell, of Pool Bank Street, is hoping to put the village on the digital map with the launch of its very own website.

The new site – www.rhodesvillage.co.uk – aims to act as an online community forum for villagers and also a community information page – chronicling the village’s history and providing up-to-date village information. Members will also be able to share photos, contribute articles, recipes, advertise events and anything else they judge to be of interest to the local community.

Stuart, 44, who runs his own web design company called whereegosdare and is also a member of the Rhodes Tenants and Residents Association, said: "I joined the residents' association last month and said I wanted to do something for the community

"It is still very much in its embryonic stages but I have registered the website name so that people can log-on and have a look. I am more than happy to look after all the programming and maintenance but I would really like the content to be created by the villagers themselves. Hopefully then when it is more established we may be able to get some sponsorship for the site.

"I would really like the website to become a valuable community resource and I hope it puts Rhodes on the digital map."

Stuart has added ideas already suggested for the website included local schoolchildren submitting designs for the website’s logo, a recipe page and a kids page. It also hopes to keep people updated with suggestions for the village to host its own Rhodes in Bloom contest and organise its own Midsummer Festival for 2008.

Anyone who wants to put forward their ideas for the website can contact Stuart at webmaster@rhodesvillage.co.uk or via the Rhodes Tenants and Residents Association at its next meetig in February.