Reuters today unveiled plans to open the first news bureau in the Second Life virtual world. 

Created by Linden Lab, Second Life is an online world inhabited by hundreds of thousands of users worldwide and is one of the world's most popular virtual economies.

Reuters reporter Adam Pasick, who will be known as 'Adam Reuters' in Second Life, will serve as virtual bureau chief.

"Like any reporter, I will cover Second Life events as they happen, interview residents and uncover interesting stories," he said.

"Reuters' capability and experience in news and financial reporting will be valuable to the thousands of people who need to make decisions about how they run their businesses inside Second Life. Whatever the news, Reuters will be there."

The opening of the virtual bureau forms part of a strategy to embrace new digital platforms, according to the news firm.

Tom Glocer, chief executive at Reuters, said: "Reuters is all about innovation: new technologies, new audiences and new ways of presenting the news. "

Second Life residents will be able to keep up with the latest news by visiting the Reuters News Center using a virtual device similar to a real-world mobile.

Users will be able to carry the free heads-up display unit carrying live Reuters feeds of real-life and Second Life news wherever they go in the virtual world.

Residents will also be able to visit the Reuters Atrium, a town hall community centre where they can discuss events, see the latest images and videos, or just chat with their friends.

The Reuters Atrium will open on 18 October 2006.