ONE of the most prominent members of Blackburn's Asian community has given his backing to a new radio station set to go on air next week.

The Burn, a radio station for Blackburn and Darwen, will begin broadcasting on 106FM from next Monday.

Organisers say it will contain a blend of local news, sports and classic music from the last four decades. The station will aim to cater for Blackburn's diverse communities, and carry dedicated shows for the Asian community at weekends.

The station's commitment to serving the whole community has won the support of Lord Adam Patel, who became Britain's first Asian peer last year.

He said: "I think this is an excellent opportunity to provide a new service for everyone living in the Blackburn area.

"It will also involve the whole community and have programmes dedicated to the Asian community.

"I hope people in the area will support it and prove that this is something that is needed in the area."

He added: "I was delighted to be asked to get involved."

The Burn will be on air for 28 days from September 17.

The trial broadcast, it is hoped, will prove to the Radio Authority that Blackburn and Darwen need their own commercial radio station.

It should also prove the project is technically and commercially viable.

As well as high profile individuals such as Lord Patel, the station is also being backed by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and the Fusion Radio Group, which operates across the country.

Programming for The Burn is being headed by Pat Gibson who is well known to listeners throughout the area following long stints on both Red Rose Radio in Preston and Radio Lancashire.

The public will be given a preview of the unique broadcasting style of The Burn at a roadshow at Blackburn Shopping Centre this Saturday.

The station will also be given prominence at Blackburn Rovers' home games in the coming weeks.