A SPECIAL cider was brewed by Sheppy's for the official opening of BBC Somerset's new studios in Taunton.

The public broadcaster's head of local radio, Chris Burns, performed the honours, saying the development would help the station be "at the heart of the community".

BBC Somerset was previously based in the town centre for nearly 30 years before outgoing its premises and relocating to Deane Gate Avenue.

It comes as the station begins broadcasting from morning to night every weekday for the first time in its history - until now listeners tuning in at certain times received shared programmes from BBC Radio Bristol.

But thanks to extra funds, it has added two new shows to its line-up, meaning it now broadcasts from 6am to 10pm.

BBC Somerset editor Nick Bull said: "This timing couldn’t be better as we now broadcast more local hours than ever before, into people’s homes, cars, phones and smart speakers.

"I am a Somerset-boy born and bred and this is the most exciting time in the station’s history."

Ms Burns said: "This new building is great news for listeners in Somerset, as the new studios will enable us to offer a more extensive service and fits into our ethos of being at the heart of the communities we broadcast to."