More than 50 firms have signed up for the regional heat of the E-Commerce Awards 2001.

Launched in January, the scheme aims to give Internet friendly businesses in Yorkshire and Humber a chance to shine on the national stage.

Winners of the 11 regional heats will each scoop £5,000 and go through to the national finals in July, where a top prize of £30,000 will be at stake.

Keighley family business, Jack Scaife Butcher Ltd, won top spot in last year's regional competition for expanding its trade by offering customers a secure online ordering service.

With its winnings the company was able to purchase more hardware and re-invest in IT.

Manager of the Government backed UK Online for Business, the organisers of the competition, Brian Robinson, said: "Every day I see how e-commerce is transforming businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber and I am delighted that so many of the region's companies have shown interest in the awards."

For details of how to enter, call 0845 715 2000.