BREAKFAST radio presenters are well known for having their sidekicks.

But one of the region's newest radio voices has taken the idea a step further.

Susanne Fraser started her breakfast show for the troops on Garrison Radio with baby Isla firmly by her side this week.

In fact, she only took the job on the condition her five-month-old daughter could be with her. So this week, listeners have been getting used to some background gurgling.

Susanne, who has also worked as a stand-up comedienne, is a regular at the mother and baby group at Marne Barracks in Catterick, North Yorkshire, but couldn't find a sitter who could cover her early shift at the studios while her husband Steve, a pilot, is away on duty.

So, this week, she and Isla struggled through the snow together to entertain the troops who tune in to listen to the services' radio station, based in Catterick Garrison.

"You could definitely hear Isla's dulcet tones when I was asking for requests for British soldiers serving in Iraq and she started crying loudly when I played Westlife - which is hardly surprising,'' said Susanne.

"All the mums at the barracks were listening, though, so it was a real coup for baby power.''

Station boss Mark Page said he had no problem with a little background noise but he admits there has to be a limit.

"To land Susanne for this slot, a baby gurgling is a small price to pay,'' he said. "However, I'm not so sure about nappies being changed in reception.''