The last of the local TV licence awards from Ofcom for the first phase of the allocation goes to YourTV Blackpool & Preston.

YourTV was also recently awarded the local TV licence for Manchester.

Former BBC Trust Chairman and YourTV Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said he was glad that YourTV’s “ambitious plans and strong local roots were being recognised” by Ofcom.

“With the award of Manchester and now the Blackpool / Preston licence to YourTV, we believe our offerings in both areas will be even stronger.

“A second licence, particularly one within such geographic proximity, gives us a fantastic opportunity for each station to share knowledge and reduce back room and other administration costs, ensuring an even greater investment in content and quality programming.”

Tony Carr, Blackpool & Preston Chairman also commented, praising not only the hard work of his team but also “the support for YourTV Blackpool & Preston shown by so many local organisations across business, education and sport.”

“In challenging times for many parts of the economy, we expect YourTV Blackpool & Preston to provide a boost to the area by giving local businesses new ways to talk to the customers that they already serve and reach new ones.

“A fully functioning Blackpool / Preston station is expected to generate over 20 jobs and provide many training and work experience opportunities.

“We’ve also been delighted with the encouragement we’ve had from local educational institutions, particularly the University of Central Lancashire.

“We now look forward to collaborating closely with them and other key organisations in the local area including, of course, the local councils.”

The new channel should provide original local content several hours each day. The channel is also looking for submissions from its viewers for user generated content which will form part of its unique approach to programme making.

The new television channel is expected to begin broadcasting in late 2013 and will be available on digital television and online.

More information about YourTV Blackpool & Preston can be found on the YourTV Blackpool & Preston website: http://yourtvblackpoolpreston.co.uk/

YourTV Blackpool & Preston will be available via digital television and online and expects to launch in late 2013.

YourTV Blackpool & Preston is a subsidiary of YourTV Ltd, which won the Manchester local TV licence in February 2013. With the announcement of the Preston licence, Ofcom has now concluded the first phase of its local TV licence announcements.