Residents in Doncaster may be one of the first communities in the country to enjoy the benefits of comprehensive fibre-optic broadband.

Doncaster Council's economy and enterprise overview and scrutiny panel have given the thumbs up to a £112 million scheme which will also benefit towns across south Yorkshire.

It is expected that nearly 5,000 jobs would be created by the project, which will transform the copper wire network now in place with optimal fibre-optic cable.

Trevor Shaw, of potential investor Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward, said the move is necessary to make sure the area does not lag behind.

He commented: "This is about south Yorkshire getting a competitive edge. If we can deliver this we will be the first sub region to get this. That's why my board have supported it.

"We don't want to continue playing catch up with the south-east."