A string of hits have been filmed on location in the region

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is investing �3m in the Screen Yorkshire project.

The initiative will also receive an additional �1.55m in government funding.

Yorkshire and the Humber has provided the backdrop for a string of international film successes in recent years including Little Voice, The Full Monty and Brassed Off.

Popular television dramas such as A Touch of Frost and Last of the Summer Wine are also filmed there.

Over the next three years, Screen Yorkshire aims to create or safeguard more than 600 jobs by attracting �3m of private sector investment from television and film companies.

Richard Gregory, deputy chairman of Yorkshire Forward, said: "We already have one of the UK's leading media production bases and our aim is to help it grow even faster.

"This funding will help attract companies to expand or relocate to the region as well as promote international film production here."