Fareham'S role as a centre of high technology excellence was confirmed with the backing for a Start innovation centre at Segensworth East.

The council's economic development committee is supporting the creation of the centre which will be incorporated into the Solent Innovation Enterprise Hub Proposal.

Council leader Sean Woodward said: "This is very good news for the borough. It fits in with the technology centre we are creating at the Cams Estate and emphasises Fareham's position as a centre of high technology excellence.

The Solent Enterprise Hub scheme was formed by the Portsmouth Harbour Economic Development Forum as an "engine for the growth of innovative and technology-based business and a regional exemplar for innovation and technology."

Council officers believe the Start innovation centre at Segensworth East will add a further dimension to the quality of the potential network.

The centre is an initiative formulated by Tartan Ltd in association with St John's College, Cambridge.

The centre will contain 25-30 individual businesses, some of which would be engaged in high technology processes, as well as those in more general business activities.

Officers stress the planning status for the centre was close to resolution and once the certainty of the scheme had been established, it would be appropriate to incorporate the Start Centre into the Solent Innovation network.