A BRAND new radio station which backers say will offer an unbeatable blend of local news, sport and classic music will be hitting the airwaves over Blackburn and Darwen next week.

The Burn will begin broadcasting on 106 FM from Monday, September 17, and will be on the air 24 hours a day.

The new station is backed by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the Fusion Radio Group -- which operates throughout the country -- and high profile local individuals including Lord Adam Patel and Harry Pennington, President of the Blackburn Lions.

Station manager Peter Salt is determined to put the community at the heart of The Burn.

"Blackburn with Darwen is probably the largest area in the North West without its own commercial radio station," he said.

"Over the past few years, radio licences have been granted to Blackpool, Bolton and Burnley. The people of Blackburn with Darwen deserve a local service that is in tune with the community.

"In addition to up-to-the-minute news, sport and travel information, we will also be featuring community information and projects that have a bearing on the lives of people who live, work and spend their leisure time in the area."

Programming for The Burn is being headed by Pat Gibson who is well known to listeners through his 19 years' broadcasting with Radio Lancashire.

The Burn will be on the air for a trial period of 28 days from September 17. Peter Salt, who has helped launch ventures such as Red Rose Radio, Jazz FM and a wide range of local stations, is sure the pilot will go down well with listeners.

One of the main purposes of the trial is to prove to the Radio Authority that Blackburn and Darwen need their own commercial radio station and that the project is technically and commercially viable.

"We have a highly-professional team and a terrific product," added Peter. "I am sure we can convince the Radio Authority that Blackburn and Darwen deserve their own service and that we are the right people to deliver it."

The public will be given a preview of the unique broadcasting style of The Burn at a fun-packed roadshow at Blackburn Shopping Centre on Saturday, September 15.

A second roadshow will take place the following Saturday and there will be a major prize competition early in October with more than £1,000 of prizes to be run.