A CAMPAIGN to get broadband internet to Sedgefield and surrounding villages has been successful.

More than 350 people have registered an interest in the service - the target set by BT before the Sedgefield exchange could be enabled.

Now the target has been reached, BT will inform internet service providers they intend to enable the exchange.

Once they are confident the registrations are genuine, the exchange will go into the broadband programme and should be switched on within three months.

Broadband will mean faster and more efficient internet connections for users.

Martin Waller, of Fishburn Online, who has been running a campaign in the village, said: "We are extremely pleased with the amount of interest shown in bringing broadband internet to the Sedgefield exchange. Fishburn Online started campaigning in March for the upgrade of the exchange.

"It is great to see our hard work has paid off and this would not have been possible without the residents registering their interest."

BT spokesman Paul Dorrell said: "The importance of local campaigns in raising awareness of the need to register has been absolutely vital and Sedgefield no different in that respect."