LOCAL radio station 2BR has been bought by Europe's biggest radio company.

Global has reached an agreement with owners UKRD Group to buy the station.

2BR, which stands for Two Borough's Radio, broadcasts from Hyndburn across East Lancashire.

The station celebrated its 18th birthday on-air last week.

It launched in in Burnley and Pendle on 99.8FM on July 25th 2000, according to trade website Radio Today.

The station took over frequencies for Central Radio in Preston and The Bee in Blackburn to grow in recent years.

It broadcasts on four FM frequencies and on DAB across Lancashire.

Global owns well-known radio stations such as Smooth, Heart, Capital, Classic FM and Radio X.

Ashley Tabor, executive president of Global, said: “This is a great acquisition for Global, further widening the reach of our brands and deepening our commitment to UK radio on all platforms.

"We look forward to welcoming new listeners across Lancashire.”