A FORMER Durham haulage worker is hosting his own late-night radio show next week.

Jon Harle, of Birtley, Gateshead, quit his job as a haulage worker 17 years ago to follow his dream of a career in radio.

Next week, he begins The Northern Nights, a late night show for the North-East and Cumbria.

The Northern Nights with Jon Harle will be broadcast on BBC Radio Cleveland, BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Newcastle, from 10pm to 1am. It will give listeners the chance to phone in and talk with Jon and his guests.

Since quitting his job, Jon has been working as a radio producer for the BBC.

He said: "I really wanted The Northern Nights to be accessible to people. It's important that we have that connection with our listeners and for them to feel that local radio is there for them.

"I have had some terrific stories from listeners in the past and I am a firm believer that the best people to have on the programme are the people who are listening to the programme."