AN INTERNET search engine that donates to charity everytime it is used has become one of the most used tools in the UK.

Everyclick.com was launched in June 2005 and has appealed to users because it donates half its profits to charity. To date over £170,000 has gone to charities across the UK.

This year Everyclick.com was voted Hottest New Start up at the Imperative Digital Awards aimed at young growing companies in the digital market.

And last week Everyclick.com made it into the UK Top Ten most used search engines, ranking it above Lycos, Excite and Alta Vista.

People who use the facility can nomiate the charity of their choice they want money to go to.

Everyclick.com spokesman Emma Walton explained: "The users go online and register with us and they can then choose any registered charity in the UK they want to support. The charity then gets half of all the money brought in by that persons search activities.

"You don't have to register as a user though and in that case the money brought in is split pro rata between all the charities."

The company was founded by two Cotswold women, Polly Gowers, an ex-international horse rider, and Julia Felton, a former physics teacher in Worcester.

Polly said: "The important thing with this idea is that no one loses. Searching costs nothing so why not support something close to your heart.

"At first my bank manager needed a lot of explaining. But when people realise the simplicity of the idea they really like it. Just one family using the search engine this can raise £8 every month."

To find out more or to register with the search engine visit www.everyclick.com