The Department for Transport (DfT) is investing £5 million into Sheffield's Supertram light rail system.

Announced by transport minister Baroness Kramer today (December 4th), the money will go towards replacing track, including expired sections that run on the street.

Funding will be given to the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) to repair the system and enable it to encourage the rejuvenation and growth of the city. It will work in partnership with Supertram operator Stagecoach and Sheffield City Council.

Baroness Kramer said: "An efficient and reliable transport system is critical to any city.

"The funding we are providing demonstrates this government's commitment to providing local communities with access to jobs."

SYPTE's deputy interim director general David Young said the funding would support the first phase of renewing the track, upgrading it to keep up with a new Tram-Train project and a "multi-modal interchange".

While visiting the city, Baroness Kramer visited the Trinsley Viaduct site, set to become part of the £28 million Bus Rapid Transit scheme, aiming to improve connections between Sheffield and Rotherham.