RADIO One has signed up a former Worcestershire school pupil to help lead its campaign to halt falling ratings.

Jason King, a former pupil at Tenbury High School, and his DJ partner Joel Hogg, have been described as Manchester's answer to popular television presenters Ant and Dec

They are to now present a new weekend show, starting this summer, on the BBC's leading pop music station.

Keen to bring in new, vibrant talent, Radio One bosses have snapped up the pair, tipped as one of radio's hottest properties, in their battle to boost listeners.

Currently presenting the award-winning breakfast show on Manchester Radio, Key 103, Jason and Joel are one of that station's biggest attractions.

Winners of a host of awards, including a Sony Silver, breaking into national radio is a formidable moment for Jason, who cut his DJ teeth at McGill's Cellar Bar in The Swan Hotel, Tenbury Wells.

"It is a lifetime dream to be on Radio One," Jason said.

"It has taken a long time and at the moment it feels as if 10 years ago I went out, got drunk, and woke up almost sober with a great new job.

"I'm very lucky like that."

From running his own discos in Tenbury, Jason went to Ludlow-based Sunshine Radio but was sacked after a big row on air - something he refers to as "the best thing that could have happened."

Best known for his presenting technique, Jason plans to stay in Manchester for the time being, travelling to London for the shows at the weekend - a big change from the 4.30am starts on the 103 Breakfast Show.

Controller of Radio One, Andy Parfitt, said: "J K and Joel have already built a strong reputation and after I heard them I thought they would make a great addition to the Radio One line-up.

"Their style is cheeky but sharp and exactly right for our new daytime sound."

Delighted by his move up the ladder, Jason has never lost touch with his Tenbury roots and to celebrate his new found fame he is planning "big day out" for everyone in his hometown during the summer.

n Jason King, a former pupil at Tenbury High School, is set to present a new weekend show on Radio One.