Peter Salmon joins a board of distinguished names

Mr Salmon will provide advice in the build-up to 2008 when Liverpool will be the European Capital of Culture.

He has strong links with the North West, having been born in Lancashire. He is also currently overseeing plans to move part of the BBC to Manchester.

Mr Salmon said: "It's a very exciting time for broadcasting and the culture sector in the North West of England."

'Important changes'

Since he was appointed to his current post in 2000, the BBC has achieved numerous successes with its sports coverage, including the 2004 Athens Olympics, which drew 11 million viewers and attracted 10 million digital interactive users.

He said: "The BBC, along with the independent sector, can be at the forefront of some dramatic and important changes.

"The Liverpool Capital of Culture Board can help spearhead the changes. I look forward very much to joining them."

Professor Drummond Bone, Chairman of the Capital of Culture board and Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: "Peter has a huge wealth of experience gathered throughout a distinguished career with the best broadcasting organisations in the country."