Abstract We introduce the WELL detector, a new type of position-sensitive gas proportional counter produced using advanced Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. The WELL is based on a thin kapton foil, copper-clad on both sides. Charge amplifying micro-wells are etched into the first metal and kapton layers. These end on a micro-strip pattern which is defined on the second metal plane. The array of micro-strips is used for read-out to obtain 1-D positional information. First results from our systematic assessment of this device are reported.