Kids in IT: Junior webmasters vie for top prize

Kids who have become disenchanted with the idea of working in tech-related fields are being offered the incentive of a trip to Jamaica for those with the best web design skills.

The competition is part of the Cable and Wireless Childnet Academy 2005 - a scheme established in association with children's internet charity Childnet International, to encourage greater interest in IT among the nation's youth.

The aim of Childnet is to reward children for developing exciting projects online which can benefit other children worldwide.

Among last year's winners was 17-year-old Joanne Evans, a wheelchair user from Glasgow, who created The Wheel Guide to Life – a website dedicated to providing information for young disabled people.

As well as the holiday in Jamaica, the winners will receive a share of a £30,000 development fund - put up by Cable & Wireless.

Gareth James, managing director, UK corporate markets at Cable & Wireless, said: "Cable & Wireless is proud to support the important work of Childnet International and encourage young people to use the internet in a positive way."

"The Academy demonstrates how young people are using ICT to express their own creativity, share ideas and benefit other young people across the world," he added.