CHAMPAGNE corks were popping when Bury businesses celebrated a special milestone along the ever-quickening information super highway.

The occasion at the latest meeting of BuryBusiness.NETwork & Online for Business at the Bolholt Hotel was to mark the 40th connection to broadband. Under the thriving Broadband for Businesses initiative, that was the original target. But the good news is that more companies will now benefit thanks to additional funding.

Brian Berry, broadband project manager with Bury Council, had earlier been successful in gaining vital cash from the North West Development Agency (NWDA), Europe and the local authority to give direct assistance to businesses wanting to connect to broadband.

In February, Bolton and Bury were successful in capturing £80,000 funding from the NWDA to connect 100 business to broadband.

Brian said: "The target for Bury was initially 40 businesses.

The response was overwhelming and with funds from Single Regeneration Budget 3 and Europe, a further ten businesses can be assisted, bringing the number to 50.

"More than 80 applications have been received and recently additional funding was allocated for a further 25 businesses. In total, 75 companies will now benefit".

At Tuesday's event Tom Baldwin of Tom's Cattery Pet & Country Supplies was presented with a bottle of champagne to mark the fact his company is the 40th to be connected to broadband. And Debra Graham of Tots Away, the first-ever business connection, received a bouquet.