BBC local TV available on mobiles

The service is available by texting LOCALTV to 81010

The BBC's Local TV project in the West Midlands is now easier to watch with a new service on mobile phones.

It means viewers can watch news programmes anywhere on 3G mobile phones that are in a service area.

The Local TV service, which is also available on digital satellite or online, broadcasts 10-minute sections for six West Midlands areas each hour.

The pilot service provides aims to more local stories in addition to the regional BBC Midlands Today programme.

Nine-month pilot

Chas Watkin, editor of Local TV project, said: "Because technology is moving so quickly now there are so many ways to watch TV while you're on the move.

"We know people want to catch up with the latest news information wherever they are - on the train, on the beach or in a bar.

"If people want to get the local news this is the way to get it relatively cheaply."

The nine-month Local TV project runs until the end of August, and is expected to be relaunched next year.

To get the mobile service, text LOCALTV to 81010 and users will be texted back with a link to the site.