By Pam McClounie

Published at 14:15, Friday, 04 January 2013

THE new year has meant a change in programme scheduling at BBC Radio Cumbria.

Ian Timms: He will co-ordinate events to mark anniversary

Mike Zeller has taken over from Ian Timms and is now presenting the breakfast show from 6.30am on weekdays.

The station, which has studios in Carlisle, Barrow, Whitehaven and Kendal, marks its 40th birthday this year.

Mark Elliot, managing editor of BBC Radio Cumbria, said: “Ian Timms will be taking a well-earned break after all of his early mornings.

“He will be returning to co-ordinate an extensive programme of events and activities throughout 2013 to mark the radio station’s 40th birthday.

“We’re really pleased that he remains an important part of BBC Radio Cumbria.”

Tomorrow the station is launching a brand new show, BBC Introducing in Cumbria, dedicated to supporting unsigned, undiscovered local musicians. It will be weekly and will run on Saturdays from 8pm to 10pm.

The show, presented by Richard Nankivell, will give local acts a platform to get their music out to a wider audience.

Richard said: “I’ve attended hundreds of gigs in my time, and love the enthusiasm and fun that comes from every single one of them. We have an incredible pool of musical talent in this region. It is huge, diverse and, to my utter amazement largely untapped.”

Producer Nell Gordon, who was one of the brains behind the very first Carlisle Music City festival staged last year, said: “It’s so exciting to be working on this new show. There is already a great buzz we’re not even on air yet. It’s an amazing opportunity for local musicians and also for BBC Radio Cumbria.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk