RADIO listeners in the Kendal area can now join the 2.1 million tuned-in techies across the country and catch digital frequencies after the BBC opened up the airwaves.

A new transmitter means that around 42,000 people can get BBC national digital radio coverage for the first time in Kendal and the surrounding area.

Digital radio listeners will be able to tune in to the BBC's portfolio of digital-only stations 1Xtra, Five Live Sports Extra, 6 Music, BBC 7 and the Asian Network as well as the BBC's existing national radio stations.

Simon Nelson, controller of BBC Radio & Music Interactive said: "The BBC has been committed to digital audio broadcasting digital radio since its launch and we are delighted to announce our plans to expand coverage in Kendal.

"We hope listeners in the area will now discover the benefits and additional choice that digital radio offers."

Listeners can check whether they have digital coverage by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/digitalradio or calling 08700-100-123.