Sunday Breakfast with Jon Harle

Jon presents a selection of religious music and news on Sundays

Jon Harle couldn't believe his luck when BBC Newcastle asked him to present Sunday Breakfast, because he's always been a fan of religious music.

Jon brings listeners a wide selection of music and faith news from around the north-east of England each Sunday morning from 7.30am.

And, although he admits to not being a morning person, he said he has no trouble getting up for the show.

He said: "A few rousing tunes and a black coffee and I'm raring to go."

Jon said he had developed a wide taste in religious music while growing up and that he enjoys everything from male voice choirs to modern worship songs and gospel music.

"I was brought up in a Baptist Church, where my mum and dad were in the choir, but I've been involved in various other churches since, as well as going to events like Spring Harvest.

"I love traditional hymns too. The hymns of writers like Charles Wesley were terrific. He really knew how to use the music to lift the words.

"In more recent years worship leaders like Graham Kendrick and Matt Redman have done the same."

Church humour

But Sunday Breakfast isn't just about the music. Each week, Jon is joined by a variety of guests talking about their faith.

Jon Harle spoke to Wajid Hussain about Hajj

Past guests have included former Great Britain athlete Jonathan Edwards, former cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken and comedian Syd Little, one half of Little and Large.

Jon said: "I also love to talk to local people about how their faith has helped them to change a little part of the world.

"Like the former Tyneside gangster who turned to God or the blind Gateshead woman who opened her house to help those suffering from cancer."

Jon also loves church humour, and asks listeners to send in examples of church newsletters and notices that are accidentally amusing:

"My favourite so far was a notice that said 'Weight Watchers will meet in the church hall on Wednesday evening at 7.00. Please use the large double doors at the side entrance.'"

Listen again to Sunday Breakfast with Jon Harle

Jon also co-presents a round up of the day's news with Anne Leuchars each Monday to Thursday from 4pm.

Listen again to Jon and Anne