Culture secretary Chris Smith has announced Government plans for a culture website.

He said the Government would use the internet to create 'Culture Online' - a site where people can have access to the best of British literature, pictures, museums and film archives.

Mr Smith said this would be a "Channel 4 of the internet" and a "compendium of Britain's creativity and culture, past and present".

He said: "It is bringing the chance to reach up, to learn and to stretch the mind to every child and every home in the country."

Mr Smith added: "Our vision is clear. Our Government will strive to ensure everyone in our society has the chance to reach for the very best in our civilisation.

"The encouragement to try, the opportunity to take part, the chance to excel, for everyone - that's our task."