The radio show that helped to discover Sam Fender and countless other North East musicians will air its final show following a local radio rejig, it has been revealed. 

BBC Introducing in the North East will air its final show from BBC Newcastle next Thursday (September 16), revealed host Nick Roberts. 

He said: "After almost 11 years it's my final Introducing North East on Thursday.

"Due to changes and the merging of local radio stations at off-peak hours, it is also the last Introducing show to come from BBC Newcastle. It has been a total privilege to create and run the show.

Read more: Who is Sam Fender? 7 things you need to know about the musician

"If you have been involved in the show over the years and would like to send a voice note for our last programme, nick.roberts@bbc.co.uk is the place to send it.

"I'll dig out some old sessions and still play some new stuff Thursday from 8. Thank you!"

The BBC confirmed that the show will be replaced with a new North East-wide Introducing from the following week. It said it will update its schedules and announce the new presenter in due course.

A spokespersom said: "We can confirm that it will be Nick Roberts’ last Introducing show on BBC Radio Newcastle on Thursday, however, BBC Introducing will continue with a the new shared BBC Introducing show across the North East from Thursday, September 28.

"The BBC remains committed to providing a platform for unsigned artists across the North East."

Club Paradise, a four-piece indie rock band from Newcastle, paid tribute to the radio show and its team: "Just wanted to add our piece to the conversation and say the biggest thanks to BBC Introducing North East before it’s too late. 

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"Every single was championed, passed to national shows, live sessions, gig attendance, it all goes way further than the airing on the show but even if it didn’t, that itself is amazing for artists all over the region.

"Thank you Nick Roberts, Rebecca Cook, and Lee Hawthorn for everything you did to scream and shout about the amazing scene we have here. 

"We’re 26/27 now, and have had that level of support from the team since we were releasing our first tunes at 15/16."