AN ACTION team formed to bring the 21st century to Easingwold is already proving a winner.

About 30 people have formed the action group to campaign for internet broadband services to be brought to the 01347 dialling code area.

They have now been donated an X-Box computer game system as an incentive for more people to sign up to the BT broadband scheme.

Action team chairman Martin Whillock said: "The formation of the action team is a good step forward for our campaign to bring internet broadband to Easingwold, and I am pleased with our progress so far.

"We have now been donated an X-Box by BT for a prize draw for everyone who registers their interest in broadband.

"Hopefully this will work as an incentive to get us closer to our target registration figure of 200 users, at which point we can apply for the system."

The group currently has 104 registrations for the service, more than halfway towards their target.

The action team was formed following a public meeting at Easingwold's Galtres Centre, attended by 55 residents, which was addressed by the BT manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, Trevor Higgins, with a second meeting last week.

They are seeking to convert the exchange serving the Easingwold, Raskelf and Crayke area, on 01347 821, 822, 823, 824 and 825 numbers, to the broadband system.

Broadband will use the existing telephone line, and enables the use of the internet and telephone on one line simultaneously.

"It has the potential of transforming business efficiency. "This is something companies need to recognise and we hope will really pick up on," said Mr Whillock.

"We have had interest from some businesses, but for the scheme to be a success it would be important for us to have their support."

More information about the broadband system will be available at the next public meeting at the Galtres Centre on Thursday, June 12 at 7pm, with everybody welcome.

Updated: 09:54 Wednesday, June 04, 2003