Broadband infrastructure provider CityFibre says it will aim to attract more women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds among 10,000 news jobs.

The company says it will invest £4billion over three years to recruit people from the towns and cities where it is laying fibre optic cables.

Backed by Goldman Sachs, the firm is looking to build 100 new networks as part of a drive to provide full-fibre broadband across the UK by 2025.

As well as women and ethnic minorities, the firm says military veterans and people who have lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic will also be targeted for the new roles.

Chairman Steve Holliday said: "The programme will reach deep into our society to include some of those most in need of opportunity.

"Of all the infrastructure projects and industrial policies under consideration, full fibre will have the biggest impact in the shortest time, and for the least public money.

"It will help ensure that the UK not only recovers economically, but that it swiftly transitions to a greener, smarter and fairer economy in which to thrive."