TV presenter George Lamb has announced plans to launch an independent radio station in Hackney this week.

The former BBC6 Music host said he planned to set up a studio in London Fields and wants to begin broadcasting in the new year.

He wants the station to be “thinking man’s radio” and provide an opportunity for budding young London DJs to get their big break.

Mr Lamb was a morning show host on the BBC’s flagship digital station from 2007 to 2010 but left after his style split listeners.

Rival petitions both for and against George Lamb’s role at the station were launched in 2008. He moved from the weekday morning slot to the weekend one before leaving the channel altogether in early 2010.