The authorities in Iran have allowed the first non-government news agency to operate in the country.

Iranian radio has reported that the Fars news agency, will start operating by next March.

It quoted the agency's managing director, Syyed Nowbari, as saying that it will help in preparing news reports quickly and expanding the information network of the country.

Correspondents say the new agency will find it hard to operate independently, as the media in Iran is still under tight state control.