RURAL communities in East Sussex are being urged to join the push for superfast broadband.

Residents and businesses are being asked to join an East Sussex County Council campaign for better access to reliable and faster broadband within the next two years.

The issue was given a boost after the council agreed to provide £15m from its own budget to add to a proposed £10.6m grant from government.

It said this could see nearly £26m available to help the county get up to speed.

The aim is to ensure that rural and hard to reach areas – which may not otherwise be commercially viable – are on the priority list to be upgraded.

County council leader Peter Jones said: "Making this technology available throughout East Sussex would make a huge difference to our residents and small businesses.

"Together with our partners, we recognise that access to digital services is absolutely essential to the development of the economy of East Sussex.

"Superfast broadband will support increased economic growth, inward investment and access to learning, skills and employment. People can help the campaign by filling out our questionnaire and giving us their views."

The next step for the council will be to deliver its Local Broadband Plan to government later this month.

The authority said it would continue to engage with people and communities in the coming weeks and months to seek support for the superfast broadband campaign.