BT has hinted that extra cash will be available to reach broadband “notspots” in North Yorkshire, after meeting an MP.

Anne McIntosh, the Thirsk and Malton MP, has led protests that only 78 per cent of her constituents are on course to gain superfast connections by 2016.

The Conservative MP has raised the alarm over a requirement for farmers to apply for payments digitally from next January, with “no paper option”.

Ms McIntosh said she received some encouragement from BT bosses she met at the Birmingham conference saying: “I was told there is a fund for superfast broadband extension.

“I can’t believe there are many places in need of more help to deliver broadband than places like Bransdale and Farndale, so I would like to see us get a share of that money.

“It is scandalous that farmers who are trying to eke out a living in these difficult times will have to rely on inconsistent broadband coverage to use the new digital system.”

The MP said she would seek further information from ministers, after hearing extra help to Cornwall was increasing its broadband coverage from 82 per cent to 94 per cent.

Ms McIntosh was attending her last conference as a Conservative MP, after being controversially deselected. She will decide next year whether to run as an independent.