BACUP businesses are urged to take advantage of free broadband connections to mark the long-awaited arrival of high speed internet access to the town.

The Bacup exchange was upgraded last month, enabling business users to make much more effective use of the net.

And companies can take advantage of a project which gives them a free broadband connection kit and installation.

Chris Browne, project manager for the Kingfisher-operated Top of the Valley scheme, said: "The arrival of broadband is great news for the Top of the Valley businesses.

"Many of them have been crying out for a high-speed internet link for a long time."

Any businesses thinking of installing broadband is urged to act fast as the funding project runs out at the end of October.

Qualifying businesses are offered a BT Business500-style connection, a modem and installation via Rawtenstall's Gconnect, free of charge.

The business then pays a monthly fee for the service, though is not tied into any long term contract.

Business Link in East Lancashire is funding the free broadband project -- which is an East Lancashire-wide initiative.

Details from Chris Brown at the Top of the Valley office on 01706 877000.