ULTRAFAST broadband is being extended to Cullingworth and Harden.

Virgin Media has revealed that the two villages will be included in the next wave of 30 communities to benefit from a £3bn network expansion.

The move is part of the company's Supercharging Local Communities initiative, in which householders and businesses vote online for the area they want to see form part of the network.

Customers' premises will be connected via fibre broadband and have internet download speeds of up to 200Mbps.

Karen Ingham, regional director with Virgin Media, said: "We are delighted to be supercharging the villages – it shows that ultrafast broadband and top-notch TV isn't just for big cities.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response from communities and as a result have decided to speed-up our network expansion plans, to connect the communities by spring 2017."

MP Philip Davies, whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Harden, welcomed the move.

"I am delighted to hear that Virgin Media will extend the scheme to both villages," he said.

"This will benefit many local residents and businesses and is a very welcome investment."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "We're delighted that Virgin Media is continuing to roll out superfast broadband to more villages in our district, as faster connectivity helps business growth and boosts the economy."