THE shout of Oyez rang out in Somerset as town criers gathered to help promote a group that helps the county get connected .

THE shout of 'Oyez' rang out in Somerset as town criers gathered to help promote a group that helps the county 'get connected'.

Criers from all over the county, including Yvonne Chamberlain from Axbridge, gathered in Taunton town centre on Friday to spread the word.

Connecting Somerset was a group set up to help connect businesses and communities to the internet and get on the world wide web. Just three years ago Somerset was judged to be the worst connected county in the south west, but is now the best in the country.

With funding from Somerset County Council, Business Link, the European Commission and the South West Regional Development Agency, the county now has 47 per cent of homes and businesses connected to the internet.

The town criers spent the day promoting the group which also advises people about what the internet can be used for.

For more details about Connecting Somerset call 0845 130 1595.