FIVE more North-East towns are to get high-speed Internet access, after residents campaigned for the service.

Communications group BT is bringing Broadband to Hexham on May 14 and Whickham on June 11. Other exchanges at Ryton, Denton Burn and Whitburn are moving towards their "trigger levels" - the number of residents who have to register an interest before BT will act.

The company has also launched a website that includes self-help guides on how to run a successful campaign and a forum for discussing campaign tactics and best practice.

The website address is www.bt.com/broadband