A RARE fault in a business telephone network affected calls to companies across Cumbria.

Norweb Telecom have confirmed that the problem, which affected The Westmorland Gazette on Wednesday, was caused by a software fault on the connection between its network and British Telecom's system.

Engineers from both companies are working to resolve the fault, and calls made through this part of the system have been re-routed to ensure that business calls can continue as usual in the meantime.

l Editor's note: Apologies to customers of The Westmorland Gazette who were affected.