MORE than 8,000 home computer users in Westhoughton will be able to access a broadband internet service from April.

BT is set to install new phone lines, which will allow people to surf the web at 10 times the standard speed. More than 800 businesses will also be able to save money because workers will need less time to do research on-line.

Brian Crouch, BT's regional director, said: "We are committed to bringing the benefits of broadband to more and more customers."

Broadband enables internet users to watch sporting events in real-time and send large files quicker than they used to.

People will also be able to use their home phone while someone else in their house is using the internet.