A FOURTH town in Hambleton has joined the digital revolution by offering shoppers, visitors and businesses free wi-fi.

Easingwold has joined Northallerton, Bedale and Thirsk in seeing the world of the internet available to everyone in the centre following a joint project between the town and district councils and local businesses.

“Easingwold is the latest in our programme to get all of our market towns wi-fi enabled – with just Stokesley left to switch on,” said Hambleton’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wilkinson.

“Shoppers and visitors increasingly want to connect to the internet and some surveys show that this can affect people’s choice of shopping destination.

“Having wi-fi complementing the offer of our attractive towns and quality independent retail offer can only help the high streets’ fortunes.”

The district council provided £1,500 to install the equipment required for the network and administration of the scheme will be provided by Easingwold Town Council while business partners will share the running costs.

Easingwold mayor Cllr Shirley Shepherd said: “The town council fully supports this initiative and hopes it will enhance the experience for those visiting our lovely Georgian market town centre.”

Visitors to Easingwold will be asked to sign up to the network on first accessing it, to ensure it is used appropriately.