COMMUNITY groups are coming forward every day to take part in our NTL Broadband computer giveaway.

But we want to hear from more, and if your group hasn't yet come forward, there's still time.

The Evening Advertiser has teamed up with the cable giant to offer everything from a new laptop with broadband connection to bags of computer goodies.

NTL wants community groups to tell it how they would benefit from broadband connection, which greatly speeds up internet connection and expands the range of online activities.

Company spokesman Malcolm Padley said: "The offer is being very well received.

"We are hearing from community groups catering for everybody from children to mature people, but we want to hear from more.

"Broadband turns the internet into what the internet should be a way of accessing everything from banking to video clips about 20 times faster than with a normal connection.

"We are committed to local communities, and that means being committed to groups serving local communities."

NTL is offering:

l Five up-to-the-minute laptop computer packages, including copier and fax facilities, a digital camera and a year's free super-fast broadband internet access, which would usually cost from £17.99 per month. Each of these five packages is worth more than £1000.

l Ten Apple I-Pod music storage and playback units, each worth about £250.

l Twenty laptop bags, each filled with a selection of items including radio and computer accessories, with each of these packages being worth about £20.

And to be in with a chance of being awarded one of the packages, all community groups have to do it get in touch and tell us how they believe broadband would help them.

NTL regional managing director Vas Agridhiotis said: "With NTL broadband, you are constantly connected to the internet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"You won't waste time dialling up and blocking your phone line, and you'll get the internet 20 times faster.

"Emails arrive straight away, and you can instantly access video clips and music, play games online, research your family tree, shop, book holidays, do homework, run your bank account the list is endless."

Staking a claim to one of the gifts could not be simpler. Just write to: Evening Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1, 3LZ. Please mark the envelope: NTL BROADBAND.

Barrie Hudson