Rock music fans in Birmingham could have an extra outlet for their favourite tunes if plans for a new Virgin Radio station for the area are approved.

Virgin Radio bosses want to create a station that will tap into the region's musical heritage and promote new local talent.

"New bands and DJs will lead the way in this station and we're setting out to find the most explosive talent," said Bobby Hain, business development director at Virgin's parent company Scottish Media Group.

Chris Evans was rumoured to want Virgin Radio back

The company wants to expand on its existing national rock station with a number of regional formats, including two in Birmingham and Glasgow.

The new station would keep the same musical ethos of the national station, but use presenters and shows with a regional slant.

Acts currently on the national station's playlist include the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Toploader, Van Morrison and Coldplay.

The new station would also broadcast live concerts of local acts from pubs, clubs and bars.

"Rock music is about passion, it's about individuality, it's about attitude," Mr Hain said.

Sacked

"It's time the West Midlands' rock fans had a station that catered for them - we will provide them with what they want."

Famous musical exports from the region include Ozzy Osbourne, Robert Plant, Duran Duran and Slade.

There had been recent reports that former Virgin owner and DJ Chris Evans wanted to buy the station back.

He sold it to Scottish Media Group, and was later sacked after failing to appear to present his breakfast show for a week.

Trouble

A number of problems ensued. His successor, Steve Penk, walked out and a £75,000 fine was also imposed after one of Virgin's late-night presenters encouraged a child to repeat an obscene phrase on air.

And the Radio Authority recently upheld a complaint against Virgin Radio when a news report about the Queen Mother's death was followed by the Sex Pistols' anti-monarchy song God Save the Queen.

The West Midlands licence will be advertised early in 2003, with an announcement of the winner not likely until at least the end of that year.

The station will launch a competition to find DJs to work on the station in September.

Virgin already operates one local station on FM in London, although Virgin 105.8FM largely simulcasts the output of its national AM station.