History was made yesterday morning as two new Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) networks launched in Cumbria, bringing local digital radio to the region for the first time.

BBC Radio Cumbria's Mike Zeller and CFM's Robbie Dee led the countdown for the launch at Robert Ferguson Primary School in Carlisle at 10.30am on December 1.

The school's year three pupils, who had been given the privilege of watching the launch, joined in with the countdown.

At zero, a big red button was pushed by two pupils - signalling the launch of the new networks.

"It can only be a good thing," said BBC Radio Cumbria presenter, Mike Zeller, afterwards.

"It has been a long wait. I might be biased, but save the best till last.

"I think [the children] enjoyed being a part of something that is special.

"They got out of lessons, they had a bit of fun with Robbie Dee and me and a couple of them got to press a big button, which actually changed the face of radio in Cumbria for the better."

The new networks collectively carry 28 digital radio services including local FM favourites BBC Radio Cumbria, CFM, Heart North Lancashire & Cumbria and Smooth Radio Lake District broadcasting in DAB or DAB+ for the first time alongside a host of new and additional services.

Headteacher at Robert Ferguson Primary School, Graham Frost, said the launch was a special opportunity for the school to be a part of.

"[We are] lucky to have a special occasion like this," he said.

"During these times, anything we can do to add a sparkle to the experiences of the children is welcome.

"They will have heard Mike Zeller and Robbie Dee on the radio. They will have heard those names, so it's nice for them to see that in their school

."

Each network carries different services, apart from BBC Radio Cumbria which is available on both.

Listeners are advised to confirm which stations are available where they live by checking their postcode at www.getdigitalradio.com.

People may also need to re-tune their digital radio to receive the stations for the first time.