One of Merseyside's favourite presenters has caused a stir in the local radio world by joining an up-and-coming rival station.

Rick Houghton has announced he is joining In Demand Radio to host two new shows.

The Wirral-based station launched last year for Merseyside and the North West, created by the team behind Reminisce Festival, co-founded by DJs Lee Butler and Steve Cocky.

Liverpool-born Rick has been broadcasting to the North West for over 30 years, on Radio City, Rock FM and Real Radio and most recently across the whole of the UK on Greatest Hits Radio.

Rick will be hosting a brace of weekend shows; Rick Houghton’s Saturday Live at 10am, and In Demand Decades, Sunday mornings from 6am, playing 80’s feel good pop.

He will also be working with the In Demand team to help develop new concepts for the station

On joining In Demand Rick said: “In Demand is an amazing radio station, the following the station has built up in such a short time has been incredible.

"I believe listeners want and need local radio more than ever. There is no better place for me to be, presenting radio shows across the North West, talking to the audience I love, in my own back yard – I can’t wait to get started”.

Rick Houghton’s new shows launch on Saturday, March 27, sponsored by Rybrook Chester & Warrington Volvo.

You can listen to In Demand Radio on DAB, online at www.indemandradio.com and via the app.