A BURY business stepped in to help a charity which faced a communication breakdown after losing its internet connection.

Pennine Telecom helped Inspire Middleton after the charity was let down by two suppliers who had previously promised to install a connection in time for its move to new premises earlier this month.

The firm, based in Salford Street, arranged an emergency connection over a 4G mobile telephone network within 48 hours.

The charity is already a long standing customer of Pennine, and has previously donated and installed a high tech business telephone system for free.

Broadband is integral for the running of the charity, which runs the Lighthouse Project community hub and Middleton Central Foodbank, as well as housing another local charity Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) Middleton which provides wheelchair and walking aids for low cost hire. The three projects serve around 100 to 120 people daily with many visitors needing to access online services for job hunting and other activities, such as the Government’s Universal Jobmatch service.

Carl Roach, director of the charity, said: "Pennine Telecom rescued us, and without their intervention we’d have been stuffed.

"Our two broadband suppliers simultaneously abandoned us at the worst possible time. We were just two working days from re-opening and it looked like we would not have any digital connectivity in time, which for us is a vital service and one of the main ways we help people.

"So I called Pennine’s managing director, Andrew Roberts, for advice and he immediately offered us a 4G router which has given us a great connection, as good as if not better than the one we had previously. We’re really appreciative of what the company has done for us, our partners and the many people that we support."

Mr Roberts said: "Inspire Middleton is a brilliant charity which motivates and supports so many local people in so many different ways.

"When Carl told me of the problems caused by their suppliers and the devastating effect that this would have on those reliant upon the internet services provided, we couldn’t do anything else but offer our immediate help."