SOUTH Lakeland people are being urged to join a new army of ‘broadband pioneers’ to help bring the internet to more rurul communities.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is recruiting locals to help him extend broadband across the district.

The Government has promised every community in the UK will gain access to super-fast broadband by 2015.

The private sector will deliver it to two thirds of the UK – but rural areas will receive public funds to build a ‘digital hub’ with an internet connection.

But Mr Farron wants broadband to be delivered sooner in South Lakeland.

He said: “The broadband pioneers will be strong local advocates for their community and will allow me to show there is a real need in our area.

“I know how many people are keen to be involved in the campaign and I am asking them to join with me and become pioneers for their community.

“They will help me deal with practical local issues and deliver the superfast broadband that the South Lakes needs.”

Meanwhile, Nr Farron believes satellite broadband could provide a short-term fix for people in remote areas.

He is calling on the Government to use the launch of the European KA-SAT satellite to boost rural broadband.

This is in the final stages of readiness for launch on December 20 and Mr Farron said: "Satellite broadband is an ideal short term measure. There are large parts of the country where homes and businesses require a service to prosper and it is important that we encourage short term improvements in service.”

To become a broadband pioneer, email tim@timfarron.co.uk