Church steeples in Hereford are to be fitted with transmitters in an effort to boost the quality of broadband in the city, it has been revealed.

The Church of England's Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) has approved plans which will see religious buildings used as relay stations for Hertfordshire's new internet service that is being established by local firm Allpay.

According to the Hereford Times, it is hoped that Herefordshire's poor broadband connections will be improved through the scheme.

Tony Killeen, founder of Allpay, said: "We now have a wonderful opportunity to broadband-enable the most remote areas of our county without the need for telecommunications masts and cables."

Earlier this week, BT announced plans to collaborate with the Scottish government on the improvement of broadband services received in rural parts of the country.