Eleven websites have been named in this year's Meritorious Websites Contest, covering topics including integrated information, education, culture, science and environmental protection.

Speaking at the contest's prize-presentation ceremony today, Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Marion Lai said the Internet has become an indispensable element of life and its influence is widespread.

"The illicit publishing of objectionable material on the Internet, in particular pornographic content, is harmful to the mental health of young people. In this connection, the Government has been cracking down on local pornographic websites by taking enforcement action and actively promoting the proper use of the Internet in the community," she said.

Meanwhile, the Television & Entertainment Licensing Authority has joined hands wtih non-government organisations to organise educational and promotional activities, including the Meritorious Websites Contest, previously known as The 10 Healthy Websites Contest.

"Through these activities, we hope to educate young people on how to filter information from the Internet, and provide support for parents to protect their children from  objectionable material," Mrs Lai added.

Response from the public was encouraging this year, with 2,060 nominations received. Of them, 424 websites were valid and 128,316 votes from 18,380 members of the public were received on the nominations.

The 11 winning websites are:

* TVB.COM: www.tvb.com

* HK Public Libraries: www.hkpl.gov.hk

* RTHK on Internet: www.rthk.org.hk

* HkEdCity: www.hkedcity.net

* Hyper Earth Rescue Team: www.ert.org.hk

* HK Observatory: www.hko.gov.hk

* RTHK eTVonline: www.etvonline.tv

* Yellow Bus: www.iyellowbus.com
* Hkreadingcity: www.hkreadingcity.net

* Zoo of Chinese Idioms: http://resources.emb.gov.hk/idiom2, and

* The Splendid Chinese Culture: www.chiculture.net

More details about the contest are available at www.merit.gov.hk.