Village schools and community halls across the district have been offered free access to the latest fibre broadband.

County Broadband has announced plans to roll out its latest next-generation full fibre broadband, which is 20 times faster than the national average, throughout remote areas of East Anglia.

Several villages in the Braintree area have already signed up to the multimillion pound scheme.

County Broadband says more than 30 per cent of residents and businesses in each village are required to pre-order the broadband before a network is constructed and offered to schools at community centres free of charge.

Gosfield and Greenstead Green councillor Peter Schwier said: “People consider schools and village halls as the heart of rural communities.

“Having lightning fast broadband speeds will provide a real boost to the local residents and open up new opportunities.”

For more information about the scheme, visit countybroadbandfibre.co.uk/futureready.