AN AGREEMENT between the Government and the Church of England to use spires to boost mobile and broadband coverage has been backed by the region’s dioceses - and they are already leading the way.

Under the plans, rural areas are set to be able to receive improved signal, with churches being encouraged to sign up.

While there has been a positive response nationally, both the Diocese of Salisbury and Diocese of Winchester have made use of church spires, for example at Hilton in North Dorset.

Gerry Lynch, director of communications at the Diocese of Salisbury, said: “There are a number of similar schemes, which have a made a real difference to connectivity.

"We’re pleased the Church of England has reached this agreement with the Government.”

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Winchester said: "Over the last five years the Diocese of Winchester has explored a number of options for using the church estate to improve rural connectivity, including through working with external organisations.

"In some case this has been possible – there is a mobile mast on the tower at St Michaels and All Angels in Lyndhurst, for example. We are open to exploring further options for using the church estate to improve rural connectivity."

The accord, which was signed by the National Church Institutions of the Church of England, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs encourages the Church of England to use its buildings and other property to improve broadband, mobile and WiFi connectivity for local communities.

A statement from the Government says 65 per cent of Anglican churches and 66 per cent of parishes in England are in rural areas and their locations at the heart of their communities mean they are often well placed to address connectivity and coverage problems.

DCMS Secretary of State, Matt Hancock said: "Churches are central features and valued assets for local communities up and down the country.

"This agreement with the Church of England will mean that even a 15th century building can help make Britain fit for the future improving people’s lives by boosting connectivity in some of our hardest-to-reach areas."