VALE of York MP Anne McIntosh visited Easingwold telephone exchange to celebrate the launch of high-speed internet access in the area.

Miss McIntosh met with BT staff and local broadband campaigners ahead of the official switch-on.

BT agreed to introduce the superfast internet connection after volunteers persuaded more than 200 people to pledge to use the service. Miss McIntosh said: "I am delighted that a campaign we launched as recently as May has borne fruit so quickly. BT has kept its promise and made a very significant investment to bring ADSL broadband to Easingwold.

"November 12 will be an important day for the community. Broadband will give a real boost to local businesses operating in very competitive markets in which the speed of access to your clients and suppliers can be the difference between success and failure. It is great to see the technology for myself and meet some of the local people who are making it happen at the exchange. Now I hope we can have as much success in bringing broadband to the surrounding areas."

Martin Whillock, chairman of the Easingwold Broadband Campaign, said: "Broadband will benefit local businesses and so help maintain jobs in our area. Our rural area, like many others, is being left behind the urban areas in our ability to compete and trade with the world.

"We are continuing to campaign for broadband for the villages around the town."

Updated: 10:47 Monday, November 10, 2003