BROADBAND was provided to hundreds of homes and businesses in Wensleydale when BT switched on the service at Leyburn and Aysgarth.

Wednesday's move provides the two areas with high-speed internet access without the need for a separate telephone line.

Coun Yvonne Peacock, district councillor for Addlebrough ward, in the upper dale, said the service was 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," she said.

Pip Land, an Aysgarth resident, who campaigned to bring broadband to the area, said: "We are delighted that we have now caught up with the twenty-first 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."

BT spokesman Paul Dorrell said broadband was important to the local economy and allowed people in rural areas to trade equally with those in towns and cities. It also boosted education and leisure for many.

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

The exchange at Hawes is due to be switched on for broadband on December 8, followed by Masham on December 15, Reeth on January 12 and Bainbridge on January 28. Gunnerside, in Swaledale, is due to go live in June next year.

Details on broadband cover is available from the web site www.bt.com/broadband. Wensleydale people unable to obtain the service in spite of the local exchanges going live can contact Mrs Land on 01969 663362.