THOUSANDS of North-East homes are to benefit from faster broadband.

Around 5,000 homes across Darlington, Teesside and Sunderland could benefit from Virgin Media’s superfast broadband service.

Speeds eight times the national average will be offered as a result of the service expanding its network.

Work is currently underway to connect households to the network and is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, who has campaigned for network expansion and better broadband access, said: “We’re very happy that Virgin Media is expanding its network across the region and not just in Stockton.

“By working together with residents, Virgin Media and the council, we’re helping local people get faster broadband speeds and have created a model for other areas to follow when it comes to building better broadband.”

For more information, visit virginmedia.com/comingsoon.