MORE residents in Teesdale are to benefit from super fast broadband after the service was extended in the area.

A drop-in session attended by BT engineers was held in Staindrop's Scarth Hall on Friday (July 3) to allow villagers to learn more about the service. The event was also attended by MP Helen Goodman and members of Durham County Council and the Digital Durham team.

It is part of a wider programme developed through a partnership between the council and BT which has seen more than 2,000 households and businesses connect to the new technology following a £34m investment.

A further 2,500 homes and businesses in Barnard Castle already have access to the faster speeds.

Parts of Cockfield, Copley, Cotherstone and Staindrop are the first locations outside Barnard Castle to be reached by the superfast network - while parts of Barningham, Bowes, Gainford and Middleton-in-Teesdale are due to be upgraded by the end of June 2016.

In total, 3,500 homes and businesses in Teesdale are due to get access to the high-speed technology as part of the first phase of the Digital Durham programme, which also includes parts of Romaldkirk, Eggleston, Ingleton, Stainton, Barningham, Bowes, Woodland, Winston and Mickleton.

The area is also set to benefit from the second phase of the roll-out which is currently being planned with work expected to start in 2017.

Welcoming the news, Mrs Goodman, said: “Broadband is an essential part of modern life – it is used for everything from homework to shopping to farming.

“Reaching more people with superfast broadband is important to grow local businesses and keep people in touch.

“I’m delighted by the announcement and will work with Digital Durham to get even more people connected.”

Similar events will be held at Lipscome Hall, in Cockfield, on July 10 at 10.30am and Cornerstone Christian Centre, in Evenwood, on July 17, at10am.

Jane Brown, cabinet member for corporate services, Durham County Council, said: “This is an exciting and important development for Teesdale as residents and businesses throughout the Dales will be able to take advantage of the many opportunities provided by superfast broadband.

“It also demonstrates our commitment to making sure those in rural areas are able to benefit from the programme.”

For more information about the Digital Durham programme please visit digitaldurham.org