The UK Government has confirmed it is opening talks over a £500m city deal for Stirling.

Chancellor Philip Hammond also revealed in his Autumn Statement that the government would continue negotiations over the Edinburgh and Tay Cities deals.

Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils welcomed the news, saying the funding package could be "transformational" for the area.

The deals are a mixture of public and private-sector money designed to fund infrastructure projects and promote growth in the regions.

Packages for Glasgow and Aberdeen have also been struck in recent years.

Mr Hammond told the Commons: "The decisions I have announced today mean that Scotland will receive very significant additions of £800m to its capital budget.

"It is also great news that I can also confirm wider investments for Scotland including the opening of city deal negotiations with Stirling and announcing that we are open to doing so with the Tay Cities.

"This Autumn Statement sets out how we will support our economy as we begin writing a new chapter in our country's history.

"It signals our support for millions of hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet and our determination to ensure every household has opportunity to share in the nation's prosperity. This is an Autumn Statement which delivers for Scotland."

Stirling Council leader Johanna Boyd said it was "fantastic news" for the region.

She added: "Today's decision will be transformational for Stirling and its surrounding areas but, just as importantly, it endorses the ambition that Stirling Council and its many partners have for the area, and I am grateful to the UK Government for recognising and enabling that."

Mr Hammond told MPs on Wednesday that negotiations on Edinburgh's city package, which is worth around £2bn, would continue.

This came after speculation about the possible impact of Brexit on the move which Edinburgh City Council said could attract £5bn of private sector money into the region.

Edinburgh City Council leader Andrew Burns welcomed the commitment from the UK Government.

The UK Government also said it was preparing to consider the Tay Cities Deal - a partnership between Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Angus and Fife local authorities - which is worth an estimated £400m to the area.