Two TV sports commentators, Andy Gray and Richard Keys from talkSPORT were in Belfast last night to celebrate the Ulster Television's (UTV) growth in local listener numbers.

Richard Keys said: "It is a pleasure to be here in Belfast and great to be back on radio where I started my career. talkSPORT has been the start of something new and exciting for Andy and myself.

"We are delighted to have joined the UTV family and look forward to bringing local listeners all the latest football news and gossip."

Andy Gray, (pictured with Richard) said that talkSPORT lets him simply talk about sport: "We've really enjoyed the first few weeks of our show and love the daily interaction with the listeners," noting that talkSPORT is part of UTV Media.

Scott Taunton, talkSPORT Chief Executive, said: "We've just had our highest ever audience figures with more than 3.1m people across the UK tuning in to talkSPORT.

"What is fantastic is that in Northern Ireland, we now have 87,000 listeners, a 61% increase and the highest male profile of any region at 83%.

"So we thought the timing was perfect to come over to Belfast to promote the station and our latest signings Keys and Gray," he said, noting that talkSPORT Northern Ireland has grown faster than any local station with listening hours up to 476,000 - almost 50% up on this time last year.

He said: "Since UTV acquired talkSPORT in 2005 we've grown so its great to bring talkSPORT home to Northern Ireland.

"Andy and Richard are iconic broadcasters with massive TV careers who I know will have an impact on Northern Ireland listeners. This continues our commitment to investing in top talent and rights."

Keys and Gray are on talkSPORT between 10am and 1pm Monday to Fridays.

(BMcC/GK)