A COMPUTER whiz has offered his services to help launch local charities into cyberspace.

Peter Haken, from Keynsham Road in Cheltenham, is a self-taught web designer who runs his own company i2Design.

The 40-year-old, who has just moved to the area from Spain, designs and markets websites professionally, specialising in ensuring they receive the maximum number of hits from internet search engines.

And he says he wants to use his expertise to help local charities boost their coffers.

Mr Haken, who has built websites in Spanish, French and German, said: "I want to help worthy causes to get up and running on the web.

"I've spent 10 years in the computer industry and I want to give something back.

"Companies often spend a fortune on creating high-class websites with colourful, informative, easy-to-navigate pages.

"It would be very rewarding to do the same for local causes.

"In these difficult economic times charities need every advantage they can get. Having a strong presence on the web is absolutely vital."

The first person to benefit from the scheme will be Kevin Grieve, from Fiddler's Green, who has launched an appeal to raise money for the Leckhampton Court Hospice – Sue Ryder Care.

The 41-year-old, who coaches Saracens under 16 football team, lost his father-in-law to cancer earlier this year and has pledged his team will wear pink next season to help the hospice.

He is hoping to get local businesses on board to sponsor the team for every goal scored, but lacks the computer skills to put together his own website.

Kevin said: "It's extremely generous of Peter to offer his services to us. It will make a huge difference to our fundraising drive over the next 12 months.

"The more people we can make aware of what we are doing the better.

"My father-in-law spent his last days at the Sue Ryder Care hospice. They offer an invaluable service and need all the funding they can get.

"We're excited about starting the new season in pink, and look forward to launching our new website."

To learn more about Peter's business go to www.i-2-design.com