Martha Lane-Fox is to lead a call for Britain's 'digital heroes' as part of a scheme that is being run by internet service provider TalkTalk.

The UK's Digital Inclusion Champion will help search for 12 individuals from across the UK who are bringing about positive social change through the use of technology such as broadband.

Each of the winners will be awarded £5,000 to put towards their projects and a free 18-month broadband package from TalkTalk. One overall winner will be selected to receive a grand prize of £10,000.

Ms Lane-Fox said: "It is these heroes, who strive to make digital technology more accessible, relevant and fun for the people in their local communities, that the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards aim to celebrate and reward and I am delighted to offer my ongoing support of the initiative."

TalkTalk is the UK's biggest internet service provider with more than 4.25 million customers through its various subsidiaries including Tiscali, which was acquired earlier this month.

Earlier this week, the broadband provider revealed that it had attracted 47,000 new customers during the three-month period finishing June 30th.