Brighton and Hove is set to receive a new local television service after being named as one of the 'pioneer' areas for a Government project.

A period of Government consultation and legislative changes will now take place, with Ofcom expecting to award the licences in 2012.

Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas wrote a letter in support of Brighton and Hove's successful bid earlier this year.

Welcoming the announcement by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday, she said:

 "Having supported the bid by Brighton and Hove to secure a new local TV station, I am delighted that we have been chosen as one of the twenty 'pioneer' areas for this exciting project.

"Brighton and Hove is a vibrant and progressive city with a wealth of media talent and a strong track record of community engagement, making it ideally placed to champion and make a success of local TV."

ENDS