BROADBAND goes live in a number of Yorkshire Dales communities today after a campaign by residents.

BT will switch on the high-speed Internet connection at exchanges in Leyburn and Aysgarth, in Wensleydale.

The move means hundreds of residents and businesses in the two communities, and neighbouring villages, will be able to obtain the service.

Aysgarth resident Pip Land, who helped to orchestrate a campaign that collected more than 2,000 signatures from people wanting the connection, said: "We're delighted we have now caught up with the 21st Century.

"There is a real demand for broadband in Wensleydale. There are some people who work from home, or need it for their business, who are desperate for it.

"Some people even risked losing their jobs because they were not connected."

Yvonne Peacock, district councillor for the Addlebrough ward, said: "Broadband coming to Wensleydale has been long overdue.

"It allows rural business to compete with others in larger towns and cities, and it is vital if we are not going to be left behind."

BT spokesman Paul Dorrell said the move meant users could obtain a high-speed Internet connection, which could remain connected all day without the need for a another line for telephone calls.

He said: "Broadband is important for the local economy, allowing people all over the country to trade on a level playing field.

"It also has uses for education and helping people enjoy their leisure time.

"Now that people have got it, we would encourage them to make the most of it."

Many towns and villages in the Dales not covered by today's switch-on are due to receive broadband shortly.

The exchange at Hawes is scheduled to go live on December 8, followed by Masham on December 15, Reeth on January 12 and Bainbridge on January 28.

However, the exchange at Gunnerside, in Swaledale, is not due to receive broadband until June.

BT restrictions also mean anyone living several miles away from their local exchange could still experience difficulty connecting.

People wishing to find out if their homes or businesses are able to obtain broadband, can do so by visiting the website, www. bt.com/broadband.

People living in Wensleydale finding that they are still unable to obtain broadband, despite the local exhanges going live, can call Pip Land on (01969) 663362