AN East Lancashire MP has set herself a new goal - persuading the BBC to reverse its decision to scrap the reading of the classified football results on Radion Five Live at 5pm on a Saturday.

The Hyndburn Tory backbencher has written to the corporation's director Tim Davie objecting to the change which will hit fans of Blackburn Rovers, Burnley FC and Accrington Stanley.

On Monday the BBC announced the the reading of the results, which dates from 1948, had been dropped so Five Live can cover the 5.30pm Premier League fixture.

Already Burnley FC fan group 'Up the Clarets' has objected on social media.

Ms Britcliffe said: "I have written to the director general of the BBC, urging them to reconsider the decision to scrap the reading of classified football results."

Her letter to Mr Davie says: "The decision has alarmed many football fans, who eagerly anticipate their journey home after a 3pm game on a Saturday to hear the results from around the country announced on the radio.

"The results only take five minutes to read out and are a great tradition of the match-going fan.

"They also evoke positive nostalgic memories for many of us from going to games with our families.

"It is important to remember that while the Premier League may be a commercial heavyweight, the majority of football fans do not support a Premier League club.

"We have supporters of many local EFL teams such as Accrington Stanley in my constituency, but also Blackburn Rovers and Burnley.

"Fans of these clubs will be impacted.

"As a public broadcaster, the BBC should be aware of this.

"It seems the decision was taken without any prior consultation with fans.

"Not all fans use smartphones to access football results and even those that do cannot while driving.

"In this light, the decision seems contrary to the public interest.

"For many, it will add to a growing sense that football is an increasingly alien commercial entity.

"I urge you to reconsider your decision."

The BBC said: "With the addition of the 5.30pm live Premier League match to our coverage, Sports Report has been condensed into a shorter programme."

It said it would still offer goal updates throughout the day on air and results were available on the BBC Sport website and Final Score on BBC One.