The Archbishop of York's warning that the Internet and other computer technology could be a force for evil has inspired a poetry competition on the world wide web.

York group City Dwellers - which aims to make the city a more vibrant place to live - has proposed holding a contest to find a verse which paints the Internet in a better light.

The Archbishop, Dr David Hope, has said he saw the positive side of computer technology, particularly in the world of education, and has his own PC, laptop, and a Bishopthorpe Palace website.

But he also has fears about the influence of the Internet, saying: "This technology is something that could ultimately devour us."

He told the Evening Press he was concerned about people surfing the "net" on their own rather than having face-to-face contact.

His comments have prompted the response from City Dwellers, whose president, Robert Collins, said: "The Archbishop of York has warned that computer wizardry may be creating a society without a soul.

"In a small way, City Dwellers hopes to challenge this bleak vision. We offer

a prize of £100 to the poet who submits a poem which belies the assertion that the Internet is an amoral and destructive force."

Rob Marshall, the Archbishop's press secretary, said Dr Hope would be behind such a project in York. He said: "The Archbishop of York doesn't dispute the fact that the Internet has enormous educational potential.

"But he believes while community groups are forming on the Internet it does not encourage personal contact.

"He will encourage this poetry competition. He is always behind projects that are happening in York."

City Dwellers have enlisted the help of the group Blue Poets, whose members publish their work on a special website.

Group editor, Echo, who is originally from York, said anyone wishing to enter the competition could submit their verse to the website at www.bluepoets.faxfn.org, e-mail her at editor.bluepoets@virgin.net, or write to her at 6 St James Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1HR.

Echo said the Internet was an "incredible resource" which could help people express their creativity, though it also had "unsavoury areas" one should stay away from.

She added they wanted to invite Dr Hope to help judge the competition, which would be run over the next two months. "We would like him to be involved," she said.