The local news and information service on the web, which was made public on November 2, has already registered almost 4,000 hits, an excellent response in its early weeks of operation.

Local news has proved the most popular use of the web site, while sport and community links have also been common.

The Southern Highland News Online Editor Paul McMillan was more than pleased with the takeoff and said he was certain the site would strengthen in popularity in time.

“The initial response has been overwhelming, but on the same token, I am sure it will become even more widespread locally over the next few months,” he said.

YourGuide is the Highlands’ one-stop website, with access to local news, sport, community and club news, upcoming events and entertainment reviews.

“Bowral’s YourGuide is the most extensive and comprehensive local web site,” Mr McMillan said.

“The other advantage of YourGuide is its community section, which offers any local non-profit organisations the opportunity to post their club’s information and upcoming events on the web, free of charge.”

YourGuide also has direct access to the other net engines developed by Rural Press, including JobsGuide, Auto Guide, Property Guide and your local directory.

Soon to be added to the web site will be the dining guide, classifieds directory and tourist guide.

“It is clearly the premier web service in the Highlands and that will inevitably only get stronger,” Mr McMillan said.

“The sooner the people of the Highlands utilise this facility, the better.”

The YourGuide web page is part of Rural Press’ instigation of web pages for all its newspapers nation-wide.

Check out the website at http://bowral.yourguide.com.au or for any questions e-mail web.news@ruralpress.com