BSKYB has defied competition from rival BT after adding thousands of new TV customers.

The company said it welcomed 74,000 people in the first three months of the year.

Bosses said the figure more than doubles the growth seen in the same quarter a year earlier.

The company has seen increased competition from BT, which launched its own sport channels last August offering free Premier League football if customers sign up to a broadband package.

BSkyB lost out in November on the UK rights to show Champions League and Europa League matches to BT, which paid nearly £900m to show both UEFA competitions for three seasons from 2015.

BSkyB's response has seen it increase investment in its smart-TV services.