WHILE it occasionally struggles to get a decent mobile phone service, Bellingham has climbed aboard the superfast broadband bandwagon.

The North Tyne capital is the latest Tynedale community to be linked in to the brave new world of cutting-edge software and applications that connect users with people all over the world in the blink of an eye.

But existing computer users cannot expect to pick up the new service automatically – they have to apply to an internet service provider to be plugged into the system.

The good news is that it will not necessarily cost more to upgrade.

A spokesman for iNorthumberland, the group which is pushing through better services across Northumberland, tells me: “Many people who already have a broadband connection do not realise that to benefit from fibre broadband they need to upgrade their existing package.

“An engineer may need to visit their property and install additional equipment as the higher speeds do not happen automatically.

“A fibre broadband package does not necessarily mean you have to pay more than you already pay for broadband, and some users save money when switching to a fibre broadband service.

“The exact costs will depend on a number of factors including your usage and the individual supplier.”

While the network is accessible by any internet service provider prepared to pay to use it, users may wish to talk to their existing provider first, especially if they are already part way through a contract.

Better deals may be available with other providers though, so it is always worth shopping around.

View the latest broadband deals available in Bellingham at www.cable.co.uk/inorthumberland

ALBERT E. Arkwright is alive and well and living in Bellingham.

But rather than miserly Ronnie Barker mooning over the abundant charms of nurse Gladys Emmanuel, we have Charlotte Brown and her dad Terry bending over backwards to supply even the most obscure needs of the people of the North Tyne and beyond.

Not only does the Bellingham Country Store – better known as Broon’s Bits – stock just about everything, but it will deliver it to your door!

Recent inquiries on the Country Store facebook page involve balls of string, hanging baskets, fishing tackle, yoga, spray starch, combination locks, travel kettles, 4x4 post spikes, a gallon of vinegar, a soldering iron, seed potatoes, chemical anchor, a bath pillow and a bag of coal!

And most of this cornucopia of goodies will be delivered to your door.

What a fantastic service!

THE mega-quiz at Bellingham Town Hall last week raised an excellent £305.20 for the Stay Strong Stu campaign, from the nine teams in attendance. Nealie’s Numpties won the booze and cash, and the night was so successful, a mega-quiz 2 could be on the cards.

DON‘T forget the Stupendous Saturday for Stu at the town hall tomorrow afternoon, when one of the highlights of a fun-filled afternoon will be the appearance of a six-foot version of Kevin the Minion from the hugely-popular Despicable Me cinema blockbuster.

IT’S the Bellingham Methodist United Reformed Church summer sale at 2pm tomorrow, with stalls including cakes, books, nearly new and bric a brac, and the popular tombola and raffle.

The ladies of the church will once again be serving delicious cream teas.