Poundbury has gone online with a new website designed to enhance community spirit in Dorchester and beyond.

This Is Poundbury is designed to give Internet users an insight into life in Prince Charles' dream village, and is also a place for residents to share their news and views.

The site was launched by the Poundbury Residents' Association, which wants to build on relationships with Dorchester people and businesses.

Chairman Mike West said: "The website is not fully-fledged yet, because it is an organic thing which will be shaped as the community on Poundbury continues to grow.

"It is for everyone, not just people in Poundbury or Dorchester, but anyone who wants a practical, low-key insight into what we are all about.

"There are forums where people can discuss anything of interest or concern, and join our thriving community as it integrates into Dorchester.

"About 50 per cent of residents have the Internet, so we also a deliver a newsletter to people every month to keep the rest up-to-date."

The website acts as a guide for new and existing residents, features information about clubs and societies and even has on-line journals.

There is a competition to design the site's logo and plans to gradually introduce quick links to other useful sites and Poundbury businesses, as well as pages for children and young people and a history of the village.

The website is funded by specialists in networks and the Internet, Poundbury Systems Ltd, which is run by Clare and Mike Jenkins.

Mr Jenkins, who moved to Poundbury in 2001 with his wife and their two children, said: "Part of our business is the owning and running of web-hosting servers, so it seemed appropriate that we contributed to the local community in the form of the Poundbury website.

"We host it free of charge and provide technical advice where needed."

Mrs Jenkins, a former chairman of the Residents' Association, said: "We wanted to move somewhere where we could start our business and live and work as part of the community."

Webmaster Geoffrey Boult, who is also treasurer of the Residents' Association, designed the site and said: "We hope to connect residents and businesses and they can set up their own section and post their own bits and pieces."

Log on to This Is Poundbury at www.thisispoundbury.org or email ideas@poundbury.org