A SATELLITE channel dedicated to chills and thrills will begin broadcasting from the region next week.

The Horror Channel, based in Gateshead, will begin broadcasting on Sky's digital platform on Monday, at 6pm.

Former model Jade Fox, who will present the show, said: "We've got everything from zombies, psychopaths and flesh-eating aliens to supernatural thrillers, monsters and crawling hands.

"I've always loved horror and it's enjoying a major revival, so I'm excited to share my favourite movies with fans all over the UK."

Run by managing director Tony Hazell, of South Church, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, it will show spinechillers spanning more than eight decades, including the Hammer series, comedy and classic B-movies.

The opening night of the UK's first dedicated horror channel includes the classics Nothing But The Night, The Medusa Touch, Project Vampire and The Ghoul.

Others films to be screened are Night of the Living Dead and the musical, Little Shop of Horrors.

"We've worked really hard to make sure we have all the movies horror fans have been deprived of for so long," said Mr Hazell.

"As well as old favourites and classics, we also have some that have never been screened in this country and TV premieres."

Programme listings are available on the website, www.thehorrorchannel.tv

Published: 27/04/2004