AN extra 10,000 listeners have tuned their radios to BBC Hereford & Worcester in the last three months, independent research has shown.

This means that 126,000 a week - about a quarter of the population of the total radio listeners in Hereford and Worcester - tune in to their local BBC station.

Figures compiled by the Radio Joint Audience Research Authority (RAJAR) also show that BBC Hereford & Worcester's share of listeners in its catchment area is up by a couple of percentage points to 12 per cent.

Remaining ahead of BBC Radio 4's listenership for the area, the figures consolidate BBC Hereford & Worcester's position as the second most popular in the area, behind BBC Radio 2.

"We're especially pleased that on top of the 10,000 extra listeners tuning in every week, people are listening for longer too," said James Coghill, the station's managing editor, referring to the increase in time spent listening to the station, up from 9.43 to 10.43 hours a week.

Andy Griffee, controller English regions, congratulated the station on its latest results.

"With nearly eight million listeners tuning in each week, BBC Local Radio in England continues to go from strength to strength, providing a strong voice for local communities right across the country," he added.