TV and radio presenter Trevor Green has left Granada to join Chester FM's bid to win a licence to serve the city's airwaves.

Mr Green has become a household name for many Cestrians since becoming Granada's man in Chester, operating from the TV company's city centre offices in Lower Bridge Street.

He has been a journalist for more than 30 years and his previous roles have included newsman with the Picadilly Radio station in Manchester.

He said: 'The rewarding feature of local radio -­ when it is truly local ­- is that broadcasting staff and listeners can form a bond that can create a new and exciting dimension in the life of any community.'

Mr Green added he was delighted to be offered a directorship with Chester FM and was looking forward to helping the campaign to secure the radio licence for the area.

Also joining the board is Chester Racecourse chief executive Richard Thomas, who has just presided over one of the most successful years in the course's history.

Mr Thomas said: 'I am extremely pleased to be able to play a part in the new radio station for Chester. I am fully committed to Chester and this relationship between the racecourse and Chester FM, the only truly local group, has got to be good for Chester.'

Chester FM managing director Julian Hotchkiss said: 'Trevor and Richard have a wealth of experience, local knowledge and talent.

'I am delighted they have joined our group and that they feel as strongly as we do about providing Chester with such an important service as a local radio station.'