A DEMONSTRATION and training evening in effective online campaigning is being held in Saffron Walden next month. mySociety, a charitable project that builds easy to use websites to bring people closer to the democratic system, is hosting the event at Saff

A DEMONSTRATION and training evening in effective online campaigning is being held in Saffron Walden next month.

mySociety, a charitable project that builds easy to use websites to bring people closer to the democratic system, is hosting the event at Saffron Walden Library on Market Square.

Visitors can find out how mySociety can help with campaigns, as well as learn how to contact local councillors and MPs at the click of a mouse, set up online pledges, keep track of issues inside Westminster, and submit and track Freedom of Information requests.

All the tools are free to use and most of mySociety's work is carried out by volunteers.

Using the mySociety services, 200,000 people have written to their MP for the first time, over 8000 potholes have been fixed and nearly nine million signatures have been left on petitions to the Prime minister.

mySociety director, Tom Steinberg, said: "mySociety's websites are for everyone, not just for political addicts.

"They're about helping normal people get normal problems solved better, whether it's a pothole or a dodgy planning decision.

"We wanted to reach out to the people in Saffron Walden to tell them a bit about the free services we offer, and to learn by listening to their reactions."

The event is being held on Tuesday June 23. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. A short presentation will be followed by a demonstration and hands-on training session. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.

To register your interest, e-mail Becky Hogge at becky@mysociety.org, or just turn up on the evening.