LYME Regis is revving up to join the information superhighway - putting it on track for a major tourist boost.

The town's broadband campaign took the chequered flag earlier this year - and the high-speed Internet link will be switched on at the local telephone exchange on Wednesday.

For hotels and businesses - as well as home computer users - it means access to the worldwide web at speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional modems, making it a powerful business tool.

Campaigners warned that without it Lyme Regis would be at a serious disadvantage in terms of tourism, jobs and e-commerce, putting rivals in the driving seat.

The campaign to push for broadband was led by computer expert Bernie Fallon, with a little help from the Lyme Regis News.

Mr Fallon, 26, who runs Doodle Computers at King's Way, said yesterday that the resort was finally set to become part of the high speed internet revolution.

"It means Lyme Regis has a place in the future. There are untold benefits for businesses," he said.

"With broadband, people can use video conferencing and send huge files within seconds without using the post or courier."

BT has spent about £200,000 installing the equipment needed to enable broadband to be used at the Lyme exchange. The service will also be available for customers in Uplyme.

Mr Fallon said people should now start shopping around for their preferred broadband service provider.

He is offering impartial free advice on the best providers, warning people not to pay too much attention to glossy TV advertising.

BT is already taking orders for its BT Yahoo! broadband services.

And Lyme Regis-based Lowcost computers is set to roll out its broadband services on October 1.

Boss Kerry Austin says they will be offering ADSL, SDSL, broadband and leased line services to Lyme and Uplyme residents and business users of the BT exchange.

Mr Austin said: "We are offering a fast, unlimited service that does not have monthly throughput limits.

"We are also offering a full 24/7 technical support team with calls costing 10p per minute.

"Within a short time we will be enabling Lyme as a WiFi (wireless broadband) zone with our own roaming network and local 'hotspots' such as the town centre, seafront and Cobb area"