A TORPOINT church has been given a major digital boost with a free 500Mbps full-fibre broadband connection for its community users.

St James the Greater Anglican Parish Church and Church Hall, in Salamanca Street, has become one of Wildanet’s Community Hubs through the UK government’s Project Gigabit programme.

The free connection will give local groups and people using the popular community venue access to high-speed Wi-Fi without the church having to foot the bill.

The hall is regularly used by community groups and is available for clubs, meetings, exhibitions, parties and other activities across Torpoint and the Rame Peninsula.

The new broadband will allow users to make video calls, hold hybrid meetings, access online learning and training, stream content and deliver presentations.

It will also support the church’s own operations, including online bookings, while providing reliable connectivity for visitors and community events.

Revd Steve Guffick, Rector of Torpoint, said: “The new Wi-Fi makes the space even more useful for people in Torpoint, while also supporting the day-to-day running of the church and our mission to make Jesus known to all.

“Reliable broadband makes a huge difference to the hirers and groups using the church building today and helps us expand what we can offer the community in future. Providing free internet access gives more people access to something many take for granted.”

The connection has been provided free of charge for an initial three years.

Wildanet said the initiative is aimed at ensuring communities can share in the benefits of improved digital connectivity, particularly as more services, learning and activities move online.

Julie-Anne Sunderland, Chief People Officer at Wildanet, said: “Helping people get online and make the most of the internet is an important part of supporting the communities we serve.”

The Torpoint church joins other Cornish community venues which have received similar connections, with further hubs planned.