Lancaster former military engineer becomes head of city's community internet provider

Mr Lee, who takes over the position from the non-profit company's founder Barry Forde, said his genuine belief is that every household is better off with a B4RN connection.

Originally from Leyland, the Chartered Engineer moved to Quernmore as a boy, and went to school in Quernmore and Lancaster, before studying engineering at Cambridge.

His early career was in the army, where he served initially with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and then with the Royal Dragoon Guards.

His post-military career has largely been with specialist consultancy companies and has involved a considerable focus in defence-related work.

B4RN was created by Barry Forde in 2011, and offers 1,000Mbps FTTP (Fibre To The Property) broadband to every property in its coverage area.

It has more than 7,000 connected properties, and local communities have invested more than £7m in B4RN since its inception.

It is registered as a non-profit community benefit society and run by a dedicated local team with the support of landowners and volunteers.

Mr Lee started work on January 15, replacing B4RN founder Barry Forde, who retired late last year.

Addressing B4RN’s army of volunteers, he said: “What I really hope is that you’ve all invested in B4RN for the same reason I was so absolutely delighted to accept this role.

“For me, that’s based on a genuine belief that every household is better off with a B4RN connection.

“That’s not just because of the speed, but what it means for the communities to have come together in the first place to deliver B4RN.”

He added: “I hope there are going to be many days when I can get my wellies on, get out in the fields, and get a bit muddy!”

A spokesperson for the Board of Directors said: “B4RN has come a long way in the last eight years and we are delighted that Michael Lee will be joining us.

"He brings considerable experience in complex and large-scale engineering projects which will enable B4RN to continue the roll out of its industry-leading fibre broadband provision to the dispersed and remote rural communities it serves.”