SAGA will create 30 jobs in the region with the launch of a commercial radio station for the over-50s.

The group, best known for its holidays and financial services, is looking for premises in Newcastle for Saga 97.5FM.

Saga was awarded the North-East commercial radio licence from the Office of Communication's licensing committee earlier this month.

It beat competition from 12 other bidders, including All Talk FM (North-East), in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and 3 Rivers Radio and North East One, both in Newcastle

Saga radio director Ron Coles said: "We are creating jobs, probably about 30, and we will look to take on people from the local area wherever possible. We are also looking for a site, which will most likely be in the Newcastle area."

The station, which is expected to launch this autumn or in the spring of next year, will feature popular music from the past six decades, as well as news, current affairs and lifestyle information.

The licence has been issued for a 12-year period.

Saga already has three radio stations, the first launched in the West Midlands in 2001, with others in the East Midlands and Glasgow.

Mr Coles said: "We would like to be able to offer Saga radio to everybody across the UK and will be looking for other licences.