A CAMPAIGN to reinstate former Heart North East radio presenters Gary Philipson and Lisa Shaw has attracted more than 2,000 supporters on Facebook.

Father-of-three Shaun Hope, from Willington, County Durham, launched the campaign after the popular breakfast show presenters were axed last month.

The pair, who presented the show together for five years, were replaced with drive-time presenters Justin Lockwood and Kelly Scott.

However, many listeners were outraged by the decision and hundreds have made their feelings clear on Mr Hope’s Facebook page, Bring Back Gary and Lisa, with some changing the station’s name to “Heartless.”

Mr Hope, who got to know the DJs when they interviewed him about his Chuckle Brothers collection, said: “This is nothing to do with our feelings towards Justin and Kelly. I am sure they feel as bad about this as we do.

“Gary and Lisa were fantastic. I would often find myself waiting at traffic lights and laughing hysterically to their show only to look at the car next to me and find the driver laughing along too.

“This isn’t about what’s best for the North-East. It’s about what’s best for London.”

Heart Radio is a network of radio stations run by Global Radio.

The station began broadcasting in the North-East last May after Global bought Real Radio, formerly known as Century Radio.

On Facebook, one objector accused Global of failing listeners by sacking local presenters.

“If we allow people to take away our local identity, we'll become a hotchpotch, homogenised, grey nation all with Home Counties accents,” she said. “I’m proud to be a northern lass and want the radio station I listen to to reflect that.”

Ms Shaw and Mr Philipson were unavailable for comment.

Global Radio declined to comment.