 HIT own a number of well-loved TV characters |
Television favourites Bob the Builder, Barney and Angelina Ballerina are moving to radio as part of a new children's station. HIT Entertainment and radio group GWR are launching a digital radio service for children under the age of 10.
Children and parents who tune in will hear a mix of music, news, chat and audio versions of TV favourites like Thomas & Friends and Barney.
It is being hailed as an "fun and educational" service for children.
 |  Our objective is to build a radio service that children and parents will want and love |
Music on the station will comprise of child-friendly popular and soft pop music, songs from films and musicals, sing-a-long songs, nursery rhymes and classical pieces.
Speech programmes will be centred around fun and discovery for children, as well as parent-oriented entertainment and information for adults.
GWR chairman Ralph Bernard said: "Our objective is to build a radio service that children and parents will want and love."
'Exciting opportunity'
Children's Radio UK Ltd (CRUK) is a joint venture between HIT Entertainment, the GWR Group, and Susan Stranks, the former presenter of the 1970s TV show Magpie.
Both companies will own a 47.5% stake in the venture with Ms Stranks - who founded the London-based children's radio station Abracadabra - taking a four per cent interest.
The new digital radio station is due to launch in April across London, Essex, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Bristol, Avon and Dorset.
Mr Bernard added: "This is an exciting opportunity to work with one of the world's leading independent producers of children's entertainment.
"We're confident that CRUK will provide a widening of choice for this age group which is currently under-served in the UK radio market."
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