COUNTRY music fans from County Durham joined a protest outside the regional BBC studios following the demise of a much-loved slot from the air waves.

Members of Brandon Ole Opre were among about 40 representatives from country and western clubs across the North-East who lined the pavement outside the BBC's 'Pink Palace' broadcasting centre in Fenham, Newcastle, as the final Paul Wappat Saturday morning show went out on air.

The three-hour show has been running for seven years and featured a 25-minute country music slot presented by veteran County Durham broadcaster Sam Harris.

Although not given any official notification, Mr Harris has learned that his services will not be required in a scheduling shake-up which starts next weekend.

Following his final country broadcast, Mr Harris emerged from the studios to applause from flag-waving country fans, dressed in cowboy and western apparel.

Mr Harris said: "I didn't really want to get involved, because really it was not anything to do with me, but they asked me to go out and have a word, and it was the least I could do.

"It was a nice touch and it reflects the level of interest there is in country music across the region. But it's another example of country music being marginalised, despite the huge interest there is throughout the North-East.

"Between the Tees and the Tyne there's probably 70-odd country and western, and line-dancing clubs.

"My show was a chance to mention some of the local acts and to give listings of events in the area. I know it was well-listened to by the country music fans."

A country music show, broadcast from neighbouring BBC Radio Cumbria, remains on the station's schedules, on Saturdays, at 9pm.

Mr Harris will stay on Radio Newcastle in his other guise, as an angling expert.