JETHRO TULL - ROCK LEGENDS 'SAVE DIGITAL RADIO STATION'

Digital radio station Planet Rock has been saved from closure by the owner of a passport application business, with a little help from some famous rockers.

Businessman and music lover Malcolm Blumel teamed up with JETHRO TULL'S Ian Anderson and BLACK SABBATH'S Tony Iommi to sign a last minute deal, which rescued the digital-only station from the brink.

Part of the GCap media group, the station had been faced with closure at the end of May if a buyer could not be found.

Speaking to the Guardian, Bluemel said of the acquisition: "The people at Planet Rock and their listeners are passionate about their music and their station, which is why I wanted to step in and help make it happen."

The group had held of a rival bid from QUEEN guitarist Brian May, who pulled out of the running last week.

Last month, the station was named digital station of the year at the Sony Radio awards.