THE region's first radio station dedicated to rock music will be launched next week.

Kerrang Radio will be on air for a trial period of four weeks, starting from Wednesday.

It will be run by Metro Radio and Magic 1152, which are are based in Gates- head.

Kerrang's managing director, Sally Aitchison, said: "We already have well established radio stations like Metro Radio and Magic 1152 providing mainstream music and entertainment, but there is no dedicated rock music station for such a vibrant area.

"Kerrang will plug this gap and we hope it will blow people away."

The radio station goes on-air at 7am and will broadcast until July 6.

The popularity of the Kerrang brand has already persuaded Newcastle College to sponsor the station for the full month to help strengthen its profile with a teenage audience.

The station will have a regular show and Wednesday night live gig dedicated to the region's unsigned bands. It is inviting groups to send in a compact disc or Minidisc with their headline track.

All demos should be sent to Kerrang Radio, Swalwell, Gateshead, NE99 1BB.

For further details, visit the website, www.kerrangnewcastle.co.uk

Published: 03/06/2004