JAKE Berry, MP for Rossendale, has welcomed new government cash that will help thousands of families and businesses access superfast broadband.

Lancashire is to receive £3.84million of extra investment to support local broadband projects.

The aim of the investment is to help create jobs in rural areas and ensure that 95 per cent of UK homes and businesses have access to superfast broadband by 2017.

The funding is part of £250million being made available to broadband projects across the country, in addition £1.2billion already invested.

Mr Berry said: “Superfast Broadband will benefit everyone.

“At the same time, it allows our businesses here to compete effectively, helping them to invest, expand and to create more jobs.”