The BBC has launched a temporary new radio service in Sunderland.
BBC Radio Sunderland is one of two new services – the other being BBC Radio Wolverhampton – launched as a means of bringing more localised news and information during the Covid pandemic.
It follows the launch of BBC Radio Bradford, which began broadcasting last month.
The new temporary output will be live on DAB radio and online, weekdays from 6am-2pm.
Chris Burns, head of BBC Local Radio, said: “We are here for people right across England in these extraordinary times and are determined to help communities stay informed, connected and safe during this most challenging period.
“Our new temporary local output in Wolverhampton and Sunderland means listeners will get more localised news and information from the BBC. They will get a better sense of what is happening in their area and will feel more in touch with their community even as they stay at home.”
BBC Radio Sunderland, which launches on Monday, is planned to broadcast until March.
Gilly Hope (pictured right), a well-known voice on BBC Radio Newcastle, will present the Breakfast show from 6am-10am, followed by Tamsin Robson from 10am -2pm.
Hope said: “I wore a bright purple school uniform to Monkwearmouth, sold pies at Roker Park, was the first female DJ behind the decks on a Friday night in town, had my babies at Sunderland Royal and I love a stroll at Roker beach. I can’t wait to present the breakfast show on BBC Sunderland, waking up people across my home city and finding the stories that matter to us on Wearside.”
