Digital radio listeners in Norwich have been urged to retune their DAB radios.

The lord mayor of Norwich, Brenda Arthur, hosted a special event at City Hall yesterday, pressing the big green retune switch, simultaneously turning on two new digital transmitters.

These transmitters will allow local BBC and commercial stations to reach an extra 100,000 listeners in the Norwich area for the first time.

Mrs Arthur said: 'Norwich is served by a great variety of established local stations. I am delighted that now even more listeners in Norwich will be able to hear these important and well-loved stations on digital radio and encourage everybody to retune their radios.'

Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK said: 'We are delighted that, today, over 100,000 more listeners will be able to enjoy their favourite local stations on DAB for the first time.'

David Clayton, editor for BBC Radio Norfolk said: 'BBC Radio Norfolk has been a major part of life in the county for 35 years now. We're encouraging our current DAB listeners to retune in order to keep listening to all of our programmes on DAB.'

In addition, seven new trial digital stations launched their test transmissions, available for the next nine months.

The lineup includes Norwich community stations Future Radio 107.8 and Future Plus – a new digital only channel launched by the station – Norwich 99,9, Jazz FM, CDNX, Solar Radio and Totally Radio,

Mike Stonard, managing director of Future Digital Norfolk, said: 'We're thrilled to be part of the trial and bringing greater choice. It's an exciting time, particularly for Future listeners who will now have two different services to choose from.'

Ed Vaizey, minister for cultural and digital economy said: 'I welcome the big retune in Norwich and wish BBC Radio Norfolk and the excellent local commercial stations great success on DAB.

'We believe that the future of radio is digital and are pleased to play our part in supporting the major expansion of DAB digital radio coverage across the UK.'

Paul Eaton, director of digital radio, Arqiva added: 'I'm delighted that the local DAB coverage expansion programme is continuing with Norwich being the latest area to receive a digital boost. We look forward to playing our part in expanding local DAB coverage.'

Do you have a community story? Contact David Hannant at david.hannant@archant.co.uk