The BBC is set to hire dozens of advertising executives in an attempt to increase online revenue, it has emerged.

In a move set to generate millions of pounds in revenue, the broadcaster will aim to sell advertising on its websites used by people outside of Britain, reports the Independent on Sunday (IoS).

An unnamed executive told the publication: "The thought at the moment is to keep the advertising work in-house, which will mean a big expansion of the number of people in that department."

He added that the new website advertising department is set to be based in London.

However, the move is still to be approved by the broadcaster's governing body, the BBC Trust.

The newspaper also claimed that the BBC attracts 40 million internet visitors from outside Britain every month.

IoS added the government is set to announce the licence fee will increase by three per cent later this week.

BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster's international brand, achieved sales of £784 million during 2005-06.