BBC Radio Devon has announced big changes to its line-up

New presenters have joined the station’s popular team in a fresh sound that aims to reflect the whole county.

Breakfast Show presenter Gordon Sparks is now joined by Laura James, waking Devon up from 6am to 9am every morning with interesting chat, news, sport, weather and travel.

Laura is known to early risers for her BBC Radio Devon show from 5am to 6am, which she continues to present. Before joining the station she presented breakfast shows across the West Country for Heart and Breeze.

She has been co-hosting the breakfast show for the last few weeks and has now become a permanent fixture.

She said: “It’s really good fun presenting with Gordon each morning. He’s a really well-known voice in the county and we have a real laugh in the mornings.

“We want to be a friend to listeners, someone they can have a conversation with rather than just listen to. The news isn’t always nice but we try to find stories that make us smile.

“I absolutely love presenting in Devon – it’s the best county in the country. Everywhere I go everyone is really positive and wants to get involved – the community here is incredible.”

Meanwhile Sarah Gosling heads up two new culture shows on Thursday and Friday night from 7pm to 10pm. The three hour shows are jam packed with previews of the latest shows and interviews with the county’s poets, comedians, musicians and writers.

Last week Sarah spoke to the writer behind the new Theatre Royal Plymouth Production ‘God of Chaos’ and Holly Kirkby, a talented local singer/songwriter.  The show is interspersed with music and includes a rundown of the best cultural events coming up across the county over the weekend.

Sarah also presents the Saturday night BBC Introducing show on BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Cornwall, showcasing the best new music from across the South West.

Caroline Cook takes on the Saturday breakfast show from 6am to 9am along with the popular Sunday lunchtime show from midday to 3pm – where listeners can call in with dedications.

BBC Radio Devon editor Sarah Solftley said: “This is a really exciting time for BBC Radio Devon with some great new presenters appealing to more people in Devon than ever before.

“We hope the new sound will continue to entertain our loyal listeners while encouraging people who don’t usually listen to give us a try.”