A NORTH-EAST woman is taking over the UK's most listened to radio station.

Lesley Douglas, who was born in Newcastle, will succeed Jim Moir as Controller of BBC Radio 2 in January.

She will also be responsible for the BBC's new digital music station, BBC 6 Music.

The 40-year-old is currently head of programmes at Radio 2 and deputy to the controller.

She said of her new appointment to run Radio 2, which has 13.03 million listeners a week and a 16.3 per cent share of listening: "There can't be a better job in broadcasting.

"I'm absolutely thrilled. Radio 2 is a wonderful station that is passionate about its listeners and music.

"I'm glad that I've been involved in its evolution over the past few years.

"Taking over the controllership is a huge responsibility but immensely exciting with the bonus of having the chance to develop BBC 6 Music into a mature digital radio station."

She began her career at the BBC as a production assistant, first in a research department before moving to the David Jacobs show in 1985.

Three years later, she became a producer in the music department, working on programmes such as the Gloria Hunniford, David Jacobs and Ken Bruce shows as well as Brian Matthew's Round Midnight and The Pleasure's Yours on the BBC World Service.

She returned to promotions in 1990 as a producer and became editor, Radio 2 presentation and planning, in 1993.

In May, 1997, she became managing editor of BBC Radio 2.