RADIO station Classic Gold is no more, but a new station dedicated to the greatest hits of the past 40 years is taking its place.

Classic Hits AM is a family-orientated station for Hereford and Worcester playing the hits from the 60s to the present day.

"This isn't really a re-launch, it's a whole new station," said Classic Hits AM managing director Chris Jeffries.

"The problem with Classic Gold was the stigma attached to it of old world, old time music."

Plans for the stations include a weekly chart that is voted for by the people of Worcestershire and Herefordshire from any decade.

"You could end up having Rachel Stevens at number one and Dire Straits at number two," said Mr Jeffries.

Classic AM wants to be seen as well as heard in the community and has a double-decker bus equipped with a complete broadcast studio.

The station is also planning to run a Pop Idol-style competition, at Chicago Rock Caf, in Worcester's Friar Street, called Search for a Star, a 12-week competition to find the best and worst voice in the two counties.

The two winners will enjoy a day in the Old Smithy Recording Studio, in Kempsey.

The CD will then be broadcast on the radio station.

Classic Hits AM began broadcasting on 954 and 1530 AM this morning with James Hilton's breakfast show.