AN Oxenhope resident who campaigns to secure better broadband provision for the Worth Valley is aiming to join Oxenhope Parish Council.

Ken Eastwood, 50, of West Drive, has submitted his nomination papers for a seat on this council.

The father of two was born in Liverpool and brought up in Southport but has lived in Oxenhope for the last 26 years.

"For the last three years I've been running my own business, mostly working from home, and that's given me more opportunity to become involved with village life, which is something I've enjoyed," he said.

Mr Eastwood is one of the administrators of the popular Oxenhope Online website and Facebook page, and says these online facilities help encourage local people to take an active interest in their village

"I've seen how 21st century social networking tools can help being communities together," he added. "I'm interested in whatever we can do to make Oxenhope a vibrant, pleasant and dynamic community in which to live."

Mr Eastwood runs a business called Digital Nomads, which provides consultancy training for social media and website design.

Five years ago he set up the Fibre Valley initiative to fight for fast, reliable broadband internet connections for the Worth Valley.

He previously worked as an environmental health officer for Bradford Council for 13 years, and was Barnsley Council's assistant director of regulatory services for nine years.