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

People 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 which have been chosen for the new service.

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

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

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

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

“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 mean 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.

“By investing and delivering better connectivity in West Yorkshire, it shows that ultrafast broadband isn’t just for the big cities.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies said: “I am delighted. Ultrafast broadband is vital for local residents and businesses and Virgin Media providing better connectivity is a very welcome investment in the Shipley constituency.”

For Wilsden residents, Virgin Media’s Vivid 200 broadband offers download speeds of up to 200Mbps. This means a full HD movie will be downloaded in five minutes and a music album in five seconds.

A business package will offer speeds of up to 300Mbps.

Beautician Vicki Burghardt, who lives in Wilsden and runs the Beauty Lounge in Gilstead, said: “It’s definitely good news.”