BROADBAND connections in the heart of the Suffolk countryside have received a £50,000 boost.

TalkTalk has invested the money in Wickham Market, Pettistree, Lower Hacheston, Campsea Ashe, Hacheston and Easton. Bosses say the Next Generation Network will provide homes with access to fast, reliable, better value and more secure broadband, with speeds of up to 14mb.

As part of the investment TalkTalk has also agreed to sponsor Wickham Market Youth Football Club for the next 12 months. The company recently handed over a donation of £600, which will be used to pay for training equipment.

Colin Owens, chairman of Wickham Market Youth Football Club, said: “We are very pleased that TalkTalk has chosen to support Wickham Market Youth Football Club over the next 12 months. The donation will be put towards training equipment such as new balls, cones, hurdles, practice ladders - all the equipment that improves the players by making them more agile.”

Tristia Clarke, commercial director for TalkTalk, added: “By investing in the exchange in Wickham Market we will be able to bring our great value offers to even more families. TalkTalk is also delighted to be supporting sport at grassroots level. Wickham Market Youth Football Club is a fantastic example of a local club engaging and enthusing the next generation.”