Telewest is offering its TV viewers the chance to watch the World Cup in glorious high definition (HD) clarity following an agreement with ITV and the BBC.

As well as the footy, Telewest customers with a TVDrive - the cableco's HD-ready personal video recorder - can also see other shows including Planet Earth, The Proms, and a new wildlife series Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventures following the deal.

Philip Snalune, MD of consumer products at the cable company, which has recently merged with NTL, said: "Telewest customers with TVDrive will be able to watch every World Cup game in stunning high definition and, for those who aren't gripped by England's exploits, were also lining up a feast of alternative HD entertainment."

He added that "thousands of football fans" have already invested in HD-ready screens ahead of the World Cup and the firm is stocking up on extra TVDrives "to satisfy demand". ®