ULTRAFAST broadband will soon benefit residents and businesses in Wilsden as the village has just won a national competition run by Virgin Media.

Folk across the country desperate for swifter internet services have been campaigning for Virgin Media to provide them with the latest high-speed connections.

Communities put forward their case on Virgin’s Cable My Street website, and Wilsden’s enthusiastic response earned it fifth place in the top ten to be chosen for the new service.

The win was announced on Tuesday, and work on bringing the ultrafast broadband and entertainment boost will begin this summer as part of the media group’s £3 billion network expansion across the UK.

Wilsden’s success is part of Virgin Media’s 'Supercharging Local Communities' initiative, urging residents and businesses to vote for their community.

Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, received a trophy from Virgin Media on behalf of the village.

He said: “This is down to the people of Wilsden and I’m accepting this for them – it’s the community that did it.

“The council has worked with Virgin Media and we are looking for this to move on from here to include other villages, including Cullingworth.

“It will have some of the fastest broadband in the country, which is great for residents and businesses – it’s a win-win. And it’s a big step for our vision of a super-connected Bradford of the future."

Karen Ingham, regional director for the North East at Virgin Media, said: “Congratulations to residents of Wilsden on coming fifth place in our leader board.

“The support and interest from communities across the UK has exceeded our expectations, and we’re delighted to be supercharging Wilsden with ultrafast broadband and better entertainment."

Philip Davies, MP for Shipley, said: “I am delighted.

"Ultrafast broadband is vital for residents and businesses, and Virgin Media providing better connectivity is a very welcome investment in the Shipley constituency.”