The station's BBC Norfolk Introducing show has already helped Norfolk's The Kabeedies and The Brownies land sessions in the BBC's famed Maida Vale Studios and gain airtime on Radio 1.

One of the show's presenters, Adrian Cooke said: "The show is not genre specific and although we get dozens of CDs and MP3s every week, everything gets listened to."

Adrian explained that if one of the show's team likes an act, they will likely get played on BBC Norfolk Introducing, which is broadcast every Friday from 7pm to 9pm.

The latest local band to visit the show's studios in The Forum, Norwich, were Vanilla Kick.

Adrian and his colleague Katherine Nash spoke to singer and guitarist Calum Duncan and drummer Harry Hall after spinning Vanilla Kick's next single This Is.

Despite still being only 17 and 16, Calum and Harry started Vanilla Kick three years ago and are set to follow their former bassist Rory Hill's current combo The Kabeedies in gaining a wider profile thanks to BBC Introducing.

Wymondham College student Calum, of Rockland All Saints, said: "The show is great as it is giving young bands a chance to connect with a wider audience.

"They are carrying on what John Peel did by championing new bands but taking it further."

Harry, who is studying for his A-levels at Hartismere High School, added: "The whole music industry is going through major changes at the moment. Although it is our ambition to get signed to a major label, it is not as necessary as it was a few years ago thanks to the internet."

BBC Norfolk Introducing has also embraced the worlwide web and as well as being broadcast on 95.1, 95.6 and 104.4FM and digital radio, music fans can listen to the show anytime by using the BBC Norfolk website's iPlayer facility.

In addition to the weekly show, the BBC Norfolk Introducing team have started to organise, support and record events, including one last night at The Waterfront, Norwich.

Zoe Applegate, who produces the show with Gary Standley, from BBC Voices in Norwich, said: "We will be holding a concert at Norwich Arts Centre on October 10 to coincide with the John Peel Day celebrations.

"This is a big one and will feature The Lidi Berlins, The Great Shakes and Lost Levels in the main auditorium, while Kabeedies will be doing a DJ set in the bar."

Vanilla Kick will be playing The Queen Charlotte, Norwich on August 20.

BBC Norfolk Introducing is broadcast on Radio Norfolk every Friday 7-8pm.