Telecommunications firm BT has announced plans to create up to 140 new engineering jobs in the West Midlands.

The news is part of a wider recruitment plan to hire 1,600 staff across the UK.

This latest intake of engineers is aimed at improving customer service and bringing high-speed fibre broadband to even more communities through Openreach, the company's local network business.

BT's Midlands regional director Mike Cook said: "BT is leading the economic recovery of the Midlands as one of the region's largest investors.

"Not only are we building a superfast broadband network, which is giving a major boost to the region's households and businesses, we are creating highly skilled local jobs offering exciting careers.

"Working with our partners in the public sector we are determined to ensure that the Midlands is in the best position possible to take full advantage of the superfast broadband revolution.

"The region should be really positive about its future. Exciting times lie ahead for both BT and the Midlands.

"The opportunities for businesses to grow and for households to benefit from enhanced on-line learning and entertainment are immense."