Superfast broadband projects will receive additional funding from a £250m pot, culture secretary Maria Miller has revealed.

Hard to reach areas are expected to benefit most from the extra government cash to boost broadband rollout, which will support business start ups and job creation in the UK's rural areas.

Some £1.2bn has already been invested by central and local government in the supply of superfast broadband. Work aims to ensure 95% of UK homes and businesses have success to high speed internet by 2017.

'Superfast broadband will benefit everyone - whether they need it for work, to do homework or simply to download music or films,' Miller said.

'We want to make sure that Britain is one of the best countries in the world for broadband, and the extra £250m we are investing will help ensure communities around the UK are not left behind in the digital slow lane.'

Defra rural affairs minister, Dan Rogerson, said: 'Nothing will have a more spectacular effect on the rural economy than the roll out of superfast broadband.

'A decent broadband connection has the power to transform people's lives, creating more rural jobs and a fairer society.'