A TOWN has succeeded in its campaign to bring broadband internet access to its residents and businesses.

People living in Shildon feared that they would be left behind in the world of technology after surrounding towns were given faster access to the internet.

Colin Devonport, who set up Shildon Net to promote the town, said that people in Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Darlington were already reaping the benefits of broadband and that Shildon needed to catch up.

Mr Devonport, 44, of Auckland Terrace, Shildon, volunteered to lead a campaign to bring the service to the town so that it would emphasise its importance to local schools and businesses.

He said: "When I found that we couldn't get broadband I decided to launch a campaign to bring it to Shildon.

"It is ten times as fast to get on the net and it also frees the telephone lines. I do not think that people realise the size of the internet market and what it means to businesses in the town.''

His campaign was supported by BT Broadband who put leaflets through the doors of every resident to collect pre-registrations for the service.

Mr Devonport said: "We needed to get 300 pre-registrations and we only had 150. As soon as we launched the campaign we had 150 signatures within weeks. It took us nine months to get the first 150. We will establish a forum on the website to keep people informed.''

Mark Lloyd, Durham County Council's Director of Economic Development and Planning, hoped it would set an example to other communities who are still without broadband.

"It's fantastic news and a clear demonstration of consumer power. We've suggested similar approaches in other settlements in the county. We are also working on ways of getting every single exchange upgraded to broadband.''