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Mersey TV is launching a 'double date' microsite on Hollyoaks.com,

the web site for the popular Channel 4 soap.

Designed to mirror a romantic story line that will run on the show

throughout January, it offers users the opportunity to win a Valentine's

date with two of its cast members.

Hollyoaks.com, which was revamped towards the end of last year, will

feature a different microsite each month. They will be used to raise

awareness of events or characters in the programme and to reflect

specific parts of the web site.

"Monthly microsites will help us to create a feeling of community," said

Graham Kibble-White, editor of Hollyoaks.com. "With the addition of more

interactive features, the site will operate as another layer to the

Hollyoaks brand."

Mersey TV recently pulled all web design and development in-house, but

it has appointed ad 2-one, the digital sales and marketing division of

Vivendi Universal Net, to source online sponsorship deals for the

Hollyoaks site. Ad 2-one plans to sell commercial packages that will

include sponsorship of live web chats, downloads and interactive

games.

"We will focus on big features such as the Double Date microsite to

attract sponsors," said Michelle Hackworthy, business development

director at ad 2-one. "The site is well suited to sponsorship

opportunities."