Companies across Sheffield will benefit from the new super-fast network being introduced in the city, according to an expert.

Gene DePrez, director of innovation at city development body Creativesheffield, made the comment as the area hosted a conference for local firms organised by the Technology Strategy Board.

The Star reports that the event was based around the promotion of a scheme which will give funding to companies that want to test the feasibility of their ideas embracing digital issues.

Mr DePrez told the newspaper: "The conference also gave us an opportunity to talk about Sheffield's innovative status and how new markets and opportunities are being capitalised on in Sheffield."

The new fibre-optic broadband service that is set to be introduced in Sheffield is being designed and built by Thales UK and will cover 1.3 million people, as well as 40,000 businesses.

Bodies including Yorkshire Forward and a range of local authorities are backing the scheme.