Work is expected to begin in December on a state-of-the-art cyber and digital skills centre for University of Gloucestershire.

The Government has awarded nearly £6m to the university for the centre at Cheltenham's Park Campus.

It takes the total sum invested so far by Government into the town's tech future to over £32m.

This latest cash will be used to build a specialist three-storey facility, which will provide innovation testbeds for the application of advanced and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, blockchain and cyber physical systems.

Alex Chalk, MP for Cheltenham, said: "It's so encouraging to see the Government getting behind the Cheltenham cyber and digital vision, which I first set out in 2014. I believe passionately that growing this sector is one of the best ways to address the deprivation which exists in our town. It's how we create opportunities for youngsters who may not have had the easiest start in life.

"It is great to see our local university stepping up, with nearly £6 million of Government investment via the Office for Students, to expand the supply of top-level skills and research to drive the business growth we all want to see."