A VILLAGE hall has been given a year’s free internet connection.

Coxhoe Village Hall, on Church Street, Coxhoe, near Durham, was offered the connection by BT Community Connections as part of the firm’s Get IT Together campaign.

The campaign helps charitable and community groups to get communities online.

Judges were impressed with Coxhoe Village Hall’s innovative approach.

Coxhoe Community Partnership has donated a computer to the village hall, where members are now getting free internet access.

The Village Hall Working Group is currently working on plans to develop an IT resource centre, offering regular computer training.

Ian Forster, from the working group, said: “We are so pleased to have been recognised by BT Community Connections. The year’s free broadband is truly fantastic and will get us going as we approach our more adventurous plans.

“Our members and the wider community will be able to take advantage of the use of the computer and wi-fi access at the village hall for the very first time, helping them connect with the world more easily, while developing their skills.”