SUPERFAST broadband is set to be a real 'game changer' for a large chunk of rural South Lakeland.

State-of-the art internet access will be up and running in Grasmere from July and supporters claim it could bring an extra £120million to the area.

More than 500 homes and businesses in the village that currently get just half a megabyte per second download speeds - among the slowest in the country - could now receive up to 80 megabytes per second.

The Grasmere broadband roll-out, supplied by BT, comes as part of the multi-million pound Connecting Cumbria scheme which is aiming to supply 93 per cent of the county with high-speed internet.

A 'cabinet' will be placed in the centre of the village and homeowners or businesses can contact their internet provider in order to tap into it.

Phil Rushton, who gave a presentation on superfast broadband to Grasmere residents on Friday, said it could save users around £1,000 by allowing them to find better deals for household bills, insurance and even shopping online.

Businesses who opt to tap into the village's superfast broadband are estimated to save £3,568 a year.

Mr Rushton, working on behalf of Connecting Cumbria, said: "If every household and business started using it then it could mean an inward investment of £120m, it could even be double that. People that work from home will see massive benefits and it will make life a lot easier for them.

"Some people thought broadband would never come to places like this but it has."

It is hoped that the benefits of superfast broadband will be felt by all members of the community, even the elderly.

Mr Rushton said: "It would make people more independent, less isolated and allow them to keep in touch with friends and family."

Martin Campbell, a videographer who lives in Grasmere, urged businesses to get involved.

"What I'd say to business owners is that this is a game changer," he said. "If you don't get superfast and the business down the road does then they could get 10 per cent more business than you do."