HAMPSHIRE internet firm TownPages is telling the world about Winchester.

The Alton-based company ran a competition on its website which attracted interest from America.

Nine couples from the USA won a weekend break in Winchester after answering questions on the city in adverts for TownPages sited on American financial websites.

The winners were taken on a guided tour of the city, following the new Saxon trail which highlights the role of King Alfred.

The guests included John C Darrow, a computer programmer from Denver, Colorado who said: "Before the trip, I found out about King Alfred on several visits to the Winchester TownPages host page.

"On my first trip to England, I've enjoyed learning about the city's history."

Donald Gaston, a stockbroker, from Hartford, Connecticutt, said: "I've visited the TownPages site once or twice. I love the concept of the site. I think the information is a great resource for locals and potential tourists alike."

TownPages' website provides information about aspects of life in 1,300 towns and cities covering jobs, entertainment, property, leisure, travel and local events.

It is currently running a competition on the Winchester page with the first prize a meal for two at the acclaimed Hotel du Vin. The closing date is September 12.

TownPages has several free-access information kiosks in Hampshire: Southampton, Winchester, Alton and Andover.

The other Internet website with masses of local information can be found on the county council website at http://www.hants.gov.uk.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.