WIRE FM will welcome new presenters next week as it is replaced by Hits Radio Network.

The station for Warrington and Halton has been acquired along with others in Cheshire and Greater Manchester by Bauer Media, bringing new shows to the air.

From Monday, Mark Goodier will present a mid-morning radio show featuring 'the top 10 at 10', while Pat Sharp will join the station on weekends.

There will also be further shows from Simon 'Rossie' Ross, Andy Crane and Rick Houghton.

The Hits Radio integration means Wire FM, along with Bolton-based Tower FM, Wigan's Wish FM and Signal 2, will rebrand as Greatest Hits Radio in September.

Signal 1, covering South Cheshire and Stoke, will retain its local branding, while becoming part of the wider Hits Radio Network.

Each station’s breakfast hosts will continue in their weekday morning slots.

Graham Bryce, group managing director for Hits Radio Network Brand, said: "We’re pleased to welcome this pivotal new chapter for the stations as we launch a new line-up of esteemed nationally known presenters.

"Reimagining local radio for the future is a vital part of securing its future success, and these changes have been designed to offer listeners access to fantastic new shows alongside all the local news content, local information and traffic and travel that is important to them."

The contracts of existing presenters, who work on the stations on a freelance basis, be coming to an end in line with the changes.

Graham added: "I’d like to personally thank all the individuals for their professionalism and outstanding contribution.

"These changes in no way diminish those achievements but merely reflect the changing market in which we operate.

"We wish them the very best for the future."