THE decision to include North Yorkshire in a trial scheme for super-fast broadband has been welcomed by MPs and internet users.

In his speech to the Commons yesterday, Chancellor George Osborne announced that North Yorkshire would be one of four test areas nationwide.

The others are Cumbria, Herefordshire and the Scottish Highlands.

Elsewhere, BBC chief Mark Thompson described the sixyear licence fee freeze as “realistic”, while it was also announced that the BBC would reduce its online spending.

Mr Osborne said the corporation would make no further encroachments into local media markets, to protect local newspapers and independent local radio and TV.

Julian Smith, the MP for Skipton and Ripon, welcomed the broadband announcement.

He said: “I am delighted that North Yorkshire has been chosen as a pilot area and am excited about the opportunities this will present for residents and businesses.

“Too many of our communities currently struggle to get decent internet access, and this pilot scheme is just the first step in the campaign to get North Yorkshire connected.”

Extending broadband services in rural areas is expected to benefit about two million households, including those in remote locations who struggle on dial-up speeds.

Sian and Stephen Elsdon farm in Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton, and have been unable to receive a reliable broadband service.

Mrs Elsdon said: “The broadband service we receive at the moment is dire, so any improvement is going to benefit us and we would definitely look to take part if it was piloted in our area.”

It is not known when the trial will begin.