MORE than 500 homes and businesses in one of England’s most remote and iconic market towns can now reap the benefits of faster internet.

Superfast broadband arrived in Hawes, which is set 850 feet above sea level, as a direct result of the £70m Superfast North Yorkshire roll-out.

“The arrival of superfast broadband will be a transformational game-changer for the remoter communities we have here in the Upper Dales, as it will level the playing field for our deeply rural communities, and allow us to compete with the more populated areas of the country," said councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council and a local Hawes businessman. "It will present a landmark watershed in communications and opportunities – for both residents and local businesses – and there is here an air of eager anticipation and excitement surrounding the launch.”

Cllr Carl Les, chairman of Superfast North Yorkshire, a partnership led by North Yorkshire County Council and BT, said: “The issue of broadband access touches virtually all aspects of rural life. Lack of or poor quality broadband affects the ability and agility of rural economies to grow and be resilient and impacts on the services and quality of life rural people have access to.

"Hawes may be remote but with superfast broadband, distance is no longer an issue, it brings the digital business world right to your doorstep.”