GERALD Main the new chief of BBC Radio Suffolk believes he has joined a thriving station "in the Premiership of local radio".Mr Main, who has more than 20 years' experience in the industry, takes over as editor of the BBC station from David Peel, who is retiring, on August 12.

GERALD Main the new chief of BBC Radio Suffolk believes he has joined a thriving station "in the Premiership of local radio".

Mr Main, who has more than 20 years' experience in the industry, takes over as editor of the BBC station from David Peel, who is retiring, on August 12.

The 44-year-old moves across from Radio Cambridgeshire, where he presents a consumer show, and said he was "looking forward to being part of the Suffolk scene".

Mr Main said he had been listening to Radio Suffolk for three months – and was impressed with what he had heard.

"It is definitely in the Premiership of local radio – and I aim to keep it there," he said. "There is already a cracking team in place and a huge amount of talent.

"It's a very healthy time for local radio and I'm looking forward to nurturing the talent we have here – and continuing the work David Peel has done."

The new editor has worked for the BBC in Cambridge for about 10 years in various roles, including programme organiser and on TV and training projects.

He started his career at BBC Radio Lancashire in Blackburn in 1979 and also worked in Northampton and Luton, as well as a spell freelancing. "The BBC has been very kind and generous keeping a roof over my head over the years," he said.

Mr Main is married to Jean, a primary school teacher, and they have two children, Richard, 13, and Hannah, nine.

He does not have any past links to Suffolk but thinks of the county as being "beautifully unexplored" and said house-hunting was "a fantastic way" to get around.

"When we took the children to see the new area, my son's jaw dropped when he saw Portman Road – he couldn't believe it.

"We've always followed the local football team where we have been and we are looking forward to watching Ipswich Town."