A village in Lincolnshire has discovered the benefits of having a broadband connection.

South Witham near Grantham has undergone a transformation since broadband was established, says resident Helen Anderson, who helped set up the service.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Ms Anderson asserted that her role as Parish Councillor was hindered by the lack of an efficient internet connection, which also hampered many other villagers and local businesses.

Through acquiring a grant to allow her to gain access to a satellite and setting up a local broadband connection, people in the community have gained a great deal, from a village radio station to a 79-year-old who now uses social networking.

Sarah Barker, a nurse who lives in the village, has also benefitted enormously from the new service.

She told the newspaper: "I was studying for my exams and really needed internet access. It has transformed my life.

"My husband had never used a computer, but because of the internet he has learnt and gained a lot."

According to Ofcom's latest broadband research, urban areas in the UK receive much faster connections than those living in rural patches of the country.

The average speed for the former stands at 4.6Mb, while the latter figure is 3.3Mb.