Web-wise readers have helped make 2009 a bumper year for visits to sunderlandecho.com.
The most-read story of the year, with nearly 50,000 hits, told of Thorney Close twins Kit and Kat Lee, who swapped their life in Sunderland for the adult film world.
Their story was first published in the Echo in September 2008, but their repeat appearance on the Jeremy Kyle show this year and kiss and tell tales in the tabloids has seen web users revisit the article.
Echo digital editor Lee Hall said: "Every time Kit and Kat appear on TV or in papers the number of people reading their story shoots up.
"It's interesting because it shows the different way in which the website is used.
Sunderland porn twins interview exclusive."Most people pick up their paper for today's news, but our most popular stories result from searches, people looking for background information.
"It's proven to be a great living archive of stories which is the ideal companion to the newspaper."
Black Cats' star Darren Bent has also proved popular.
More than 13,000 web users logged on to read the breaking news that he had made an SAFC club-record £12million move from Tottenham.
The clubs finally reached agreement in early August after lengthy negotiations.
This year has been Sunderlandecho.com's biggest yet with an average of 199,000 different visitors each month.
Lee added: "Sport is one of our biggest drivers of traffic, especially during the transfer window because people want the inside track on what's going on.
Darren Bent
"Darren Bent, right, crops up for us day after day and it's no surprise his move to Sunderland was our top sports story.
"Not only is he a top player and an interesting character, he also uses the Internet to express himself through Twitter."
TOP ten most popular online news stories of 2009:
1. Family's shock as porn star twins reveal secret life – 47,021 hits.
2. Leave your tributes for Ian Porterfield – 37,815.
3. Woman fined £200 for noisy sex romps – 32,748.
4. Join tributes to Neil Gartland – 18,197.
5. Tributes to fallen Sunderland soldier – 16,306.
6. Yes – I am Poo-Girl, admits teen, above – 15,161.
Poo girl came clean.
7. Mystery death of 12-year-old boy – 11,689.
8. Michael Jackson death confirmed – 10,047.
9. Two naked women spotted on Roker Beach – 9,500.
10. Sunderland star's car breaks down on Tyne Bridge – 9,393.
TOP ten most popular online sports stories of 2009:
1. Bent in Sunderland to complete move – 13,905.
2. Is Newcastle's new change the kit the worst football strip ever? – 13,073.
3. SAFC close in on Marseille captain – 9,350.
4. First pictures of Lorik Cana in a Sunderland strip – 8,808.
5. Arsenal boss to receive grovelling apology from Sir Alex – 8,731.
6. Transfer deadline day clockwatch – 8,132.
7. SAFC linked with Barcelona star – 8,073.
8. Sunderland chasing £9m Lyon defender – 7,961.
9. Who's going in Sunderland clear-out – 7,709.
10. Defender: I'll snub West Ham and Blackburn to join Sunderland – 7,597.
