BRIGHTON’S very own local TV station is to be blessed ahead of its launch later this month.

Latest TV will go live on freeview channel 8, as well as Virgin and on demand online on TV Everywhere, on August 28.

Ahead of the launch, Reverend Martin Poole, of St Luke’s Prestonville in Brighton, will bless the channel’s new studios on Monday August 11 – the day of St Clare, the patron saint of television.

Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV, said: “Brighton is a quirky, vibrant and ultimately a fun place so we wanted to think of something appropriate ahead of our launch.

“When the idea of a blessing was suggested from the Diocese of Chichester we jumped at the chance.

“Ceremonies like this have become very common in people’s homes and work places with even Brighton and Hove Albion getting their stadium blessed.

“We want to thank Martin for taking time out to do this – but we also want to make clear that Latest TV will represent all those in the city, both with faith and without.”

The multi-faith blessing will take place on August 11 at 2pm in Latest TV’s studio in Manchester Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF.

As well as saying a blessing in the venue’s two studios and the TV gallery, Rev Martin will bless some of those who make up the Latest TV team.

Rev Martin, who worked in TV for more than 30 years, said: “It’s great to be able to bless our local television station ahead of its launch in Brighton on the very day when the church remembers the patron saint of television.

“St Clare is also patroness of those with sore eyes so I shall be praying that this will not afflict any of those who work at or watch Latest TV. ”

Latest TV in Brighton and Hove was one of the first of 25 city’s in the country to be awarded a 12-year local TV licence.

Latest TV will broadcast from studios just yards away from the city’s iconic Brighton Pier.

It will be on air up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week with news and sport at the heart of our channel.

Broadcasting on Freeview Channel 8 and Virgin 159, as well as on demand online, Latest TV will be accessible to 400,000 people across the Greater Brighton area and online on any device to everyone in the UK through TV Everywhere.

Ahead of the launch an open day will be held at the studios on Tuesday 19 August.

Whether you are a TV producer, an interested member of the public, or represent a local business, come along and find out what local TV offers you. The Open Day is from 10am to 8pm and gives you a chance to see the new TV studios, and if you like, to be on TV!

If you want to socialise over a glass of bubbly then pop in at 6pm. We look forward to meeting you!