BBC boss Greg Dyke (pictured) has revealed how the corporation is awash with claret and blue -- because it has more Burnley fans than Blackburn!

The director general, who was in Blackburn, said the corridors of power in London was of a definite persuasion to the Claret side of East Lancashire. He said: "There are quite a few Burnley supporters but not so many Blackburn ones at the BBC" and that the Burnley influence may well have been started by his colleague and head of sport Peter Salmon, who is from the town.

Mr Dyke revealed that he was trying to strike a balance in the Beeb's football favouritism -- having watched Blackburn Rovers play more times than Burnley!

He said: "The first time I came to Blackburn was the year Rovers went down and Manchester United had to win. And when I got this job I came up here again for another match."

That last trip led Mr Dyke to visit BBC Radio Lancashire in Darwen Street, which has since become the first hi-tech learning zone in the country.

Decked out with high-speed computer equipment the station's offices have been transformed. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has shifted its entire Lifelong Learning Team to the centre to be on hand to offer help and guidance.

Greg Dyke and Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw -- himself a Rovers fan -- were in Blackburn to officially open the centre.

Mr Dyke said: "The BBC has always been seen as London-based and we wanted to put the effort into the North of England. The first centre was always going to be in the north."

Jack Straw said it was great news. "I am delighted Blackburn has been chosen to be at the heart of the BBC's learning operation. It is an exciting venture which provides an ideal opportunity for those of us who want to learn about new technology and improve our skills."

Greg Dyke went on to praised Peter Salmon, saying: for his work in the department.

He said: "He is doing great for sport. He has been doing it now for six months and it's a difficult job to stop the decline which was inevitable."

"The early signs are good. We've got a couple of boxing matches back because of Peter. Lennox Lewis's next fight, an Audley Harrison fight and we've got the Derby back, which Peter did.

"He's doing really well."