EVERY school in Worcestershire will have lightning-fast internet links by 2006, the Government has promised.

Pupils and teachers will be able to use speedy broadband connections to log on to the web in classrooms - helping them improve exam results.

Ministers made the pledge while unveiling a blueprint for rolling out broadband across Britain.

Department of Trade and Industry officials are setting up a Regional Aggregation Body (RAB) in the West Midlands to make it easier to deliver faster and cheaper internet services in rural areas.

The RAB will team up with the Advantage West Midlands Regional Development Agency to encourage internet providers to increase broadband links in rural communities.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke said: "Broadband is key to enabling and supporting teaching and learning.

"This is why we have said we will get broadband in all our schools by 2006."

E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms said: "The RABs will deliver better value deals and drive up availability by making it more attractive to telecoms providers to invest capital."

He said the RABs would spend some £1bn on broadband over the next three years.

Mr Timms added: "Not only will this mean maximum value for money for the taxpayer, but it will bring broadband to parts of the country that might find it difficult to get access."

Earlier this month the Commons' Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Select Committee told Ministers to act urgently to close the gaping "digital divide" between town and country - or jeopardise businesses and jobs in rural areas.

Tony Blair wants all rural schools, hospitals and doctor's surgeries to have broadband within a few years.

The Prime Minister envisages pupils using video streaming in lessons, paramedics accessing patients' medical records from ambulances and GPs sending electronic prescriptions to chemists.