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

The Bacup exchange is due to be upgraded during August, which will mean business users can make much more effective use of the net.

And companies can take advantage of a special project which gives them a free broadband diagnosis, 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 ADSL is urged to act fast as the funding project runs out at the end of October.