Islanders in a remote Orkney community have come up with a unique way to ensure the popularity of their new website.

They plan a 'phrase-of-the-week' feature in Westray dialect in the hope that web surfers will want to return to the island's internet pages time and time again.

The community's development officer, Sam Harcus explained: "We have started an online Westray dictionary to give people a flavour of life in the island but rather than just list words and their meanings, we have included sayings that show how the words are used.

"We are planning to highlight a phrase of the week, something that people using the internet will get hooked on and want to come back to over and over again."

The Westray dictionary is part of the cultural heritage area of a website that has been designed to be entertaining, informative and easy to use.

The project, supported financially by Orkney Enterprise, has involved the production of an internet site that will be of value to people living on the island as well as those planning a visit to Westray.

News, notices and what's on pages will be regularly updated for Westray's own web surfers, while potential visitors will find a wealth of information covering everything from travel and local services to genealogy and property for sale.

"There is a tremendous amount of information available about Westray but, until now, not all of it has been easily accessible," added Mr Harcus. "One of the main aims of this initiative has been to bring it all together in a way that is easy to access."

Orkney Enterprise's community development manager, Chessa Llewellyn-White, added: "We are keen to support the development of community websites.

"The Westray site is an excellent example of what an be achieved by the community, for the community.

"The site provides something of interest for everyone, from news for local people of forthcoming events to information for potential visitors to the island."

Iain MacDonald, chairman of Westray Development Trust, said: "Web pages can often be full of information, but not very exciting to look at.

"The Westray site is very attractive, as well as being packed with information and easy to use. I think it will be used by Westray folk and people outside the island, and will be of huge benefit to both."

Westray Community Council also provided funds for the project, believing it crucial that the island has its own presence in cyberspace.  Chairman Danny Harcus said: "There are tremendous advantages to be gained from having community web pages like these.

"It is a great way for local folk to catch up with what is happening in the island.  It is also an excellent way to promote the island and the many things going on in our community."

Tourism is seen as a vital ingredient in Westray's future prosperity and huge efforts have gone in to both attracting visitors and providing a wide choice of accommodation in the island.

"The website has a really important role to play," added Mr Harcus. "Tourists are using the internet more and more to find information about places they want to visit. And if that information is not easily available, they are likely to go somewhere else."

The website, designed by Stromness-based North Star New Media, is available at www.westray-orkney.co.uk