Norfolk's MPs have joined forces to take the EDP-backed Say Yes to Better Broadband campaign to Westminster.

A cross-party group of the county's representatives gathered outside the Houses of Parliament to promote the message that householders and businesses need to prove their desire for a superfast internet upgrade.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman was joined by North Norfolk's Norman Lamb, South West Norfolk's Elizabeth Truss, and Norwich North and South MPs Chloe Smith and Simon Wright.

The 'Norfolk United' approach has already paid dividends in previous campaigns to dual the A11, to save RAF Marham – and to secure the �15m in government funding for the broadband project, which was matched by Norfolk County Council.

But now it is up to individuals to convince the telecoms industry to bring the vital private investment to the scheme.

More than 7,600 Norfolk homes and businesses have already signed up to help demonstrate the commercial demand, but Mr Freeman said many more registrants are needed before the end of March.

'We are halfway through the period in which in which all those with an interest in fast broadband in Norfolk need to register our interest,' he said.

'We all know how important fast broadband is for our economy, public services and communities. The danger is that the rural demand is invisible. That is why we need to register so that telecoms companies can plan to make the necessary investment that affects all of us in rural areas, who have waited too long. This is your chance!'

Mr Freeman said he is preparing to launch a rural campaign push in his constituency next week with the help of local councillors and businesses.

nThe Better Broadband for Norfolk project aims to bring superfast 30Mbps download speeds to as much of the county as possible and a minimum of 2Mbps for everyone by 2015.

Norfolk residents and businesses can sign up online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/sayyesnorfolk, or by calling 0344 800 8023.