Up to 100 jobs will be created over the next three years following the announcement by the BBC that it is to set up a new £0.7 million call centre in Belfast. A spokesman said the nationwide customer service centre will offer viewers and listeners "a more responsive service", supported by modern call centre techniques.

The centre is due to open next Spring, and is being developed in conjunction with the IDB, which is supporting the project with a grant of £300,000. The agency's chief executive, Mr Bruce Robinson, said the investment was a vote of confidence in Belfast, which combined a highly educated workforce with one of Europe's most advanced telecommunications systems.

"This development is the most recent in a series of investments by call centre and telecommunications companies," Mr Robinson said, "which recognise the competitive advantages offered by Northern Ireland."