TWO local girls will head the news team of Blackburn's radio station, back on the air waves for a third month-long broadcast.

Tracy Johnson, 28, of Pimlico Road, Clitheroe and Lisa Gillibrand, 22, will be taking to the microphone for regular up-to-the-minute broadcasts.

The station was granted a third 28-day licence and began broadcasting on Saturday September 21.

And the emphasis on delivering news is stronger than ever according to station boss Peter Salt.

"We have the technology and expertise to really bring the best news to the listeners thanks to a dedicated team and state-of-the-art technology. It all goes to making a truly professional station."

Tracy, an English graduate and qualified trainee journalist, is a former pupil of Clitheroe Grammar Sixth Form and Ribblesdale High School.

"The Burn Fm is great as it really is a local station for local people and the response that we have had so far has been very positive" she said.

News broadcasts are scheduled each day. They are every half hour between 7am and10am, a lunch time bulletin at 1.30pm and a special round-up at 5.30pm.

The Radio Authority has recently confirmed that Blackburn will receive a new permanent broadcasting licence in 2003.