SKY will create 350 North-East jobs as it looks to increase its customer service team.

The entertainment and communications company is expanding its call centre in Newcastle, which will cater for new customers after Sky's purchase of O2 and BE's consumer broadband and fixed-line business.

About 200 jobs have also been created in Sky's in-house sales team, with staff based in shopping centre stores or sales vehicles across the UK.

Sky bosses say new workers will start at the Newcastle call centre, in Gallowgate, in August, joining its customer sales and service advisor teams.

Bob Dunn, Sky director of customer operations, said: “We’re very pleased to announce the expansion of our Newcastle site.

“The new job opportunities we are creating will support the growing demand for our products and help us deliver our commitment to provide first-rate customer service.

“We’ve had a great experience since opening our Gallowgate office in 2011, and we look forward to welcoming new colleagues over the coming year.”