A community effort has helped a village in Gwynedd secure full-fibre broadband.

Brithdir, a small rural village a few miles from Dolgellau, was only partially connected to full-fibre, leaving the upper half with poor internet.

The community was tasked with obtaining 45 signatures to complete the broadband campaign.

With the support of Brithdir’s community hall caretaker, Eira Humphreys, and resident, Anna Jones, the signatures were collected within weeks.

Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd councillor for the area, Delyth Lloyd Griffiths, said: "I knew I could depend on Anna and Eira to get going with the signatures and collect everyone’s details.

"They know everyone in the village.

"It’s been a long and tedious effort, but together, as a community, we’re delighted that all the village is now connected to full-fibre."

 Councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths with Martin Jones who is recovering from ill health is delighted to see full-fibre connection installed to keep in touch with family and friends  (Image: Supplied)

The village's broadband woes date back to March 2022 when Openreach paused its rural fibre broadband connection scheme due to high demand.

This left 45 residents without reliable broadband service.

Ms Griffiths, newly elected in May 2022, worked with Wales co-operative body, Cwmpas, to address the issue.

She said: "Working with Marc Davies at Cwmpas moved the issue forward at pace.

"We brought people together to gather the signatures required and by the end of summer, all households in the village are now connected.

"The response has been amazing."

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The new broadband connection has 'transformed' the village.

Bed and breakfast businesses can now provide smart TVs for guests, and students can upload and download work with a reliable connection.

Elwyn Roberts, a car rally photographer and videographer, said the new broadband has transformed how he follows his interests.

Gina Ritche, who runs a boutique hotel in Brithdir, said: "We are delighted to be able to run a rural business, here in Brithdir, in a professional and capable fashion at last.

"Being without a constant, regular and speedy broadband connection made running this business challenging.

"We are so grateful to Councillor Delyth Lloyd Griffiths for her work and determination on our behalf."

Sandra Harrison, a village resident, said: "It’s been a breath of fresh air for us.

"It’s literally opened our world to see what’s out there.

"We no longer feel isolated in the back of beyond, here, in Meirionnydd.

"We’re on a par with friends and family digitally and it is a refreshing situation to find ourselves in."

Ms Griffiths added: "It goes to show how strong community support can overcome challenges we face, living in rural locations."