SHOBROOKE, a local mobile telephone "not spot" village, has been named as one of 30 communities in the UK to receive 3G coverage under Vodafone UK's Rural Open Sure Signal programme.

Mobile telephone coverage in the village is poor and there are slow network speeds.

With the installation of Vodafone's innovative Sure Signal technology, the local community will be able to benefit from high quality 3G voice services, and much-needed access to the internet via mobile devices, contributing positively to business and everyday life.

The Rural Open Sure Signal programme is a national initiative by Vodafone UK to provide reliable mobile access to up to 100 rural communities in mobile not-spot locations.

Launched in July 2014, with support from local MPs, councils and rural action groups, the programme has received an overwhelming response from around the country.

Vodafone's initial Open Sure Signal trial has seen the connection of 12 rural communities across the UK, from Walls in the Shetland Islands to Newton St Cyres, which was launched by Mel Stride MP.

Communities connected so far have been enjoying social media using mobile internet whilst businesses, from GPs to a mussel farmer, now have mobile signal to help make their businesses work better.