A former local radio breakfast show host is joining a regional daily to present a new weekly podcast.

Eric Smith will be hosting an exclusive podcast for the Shropshire Star focusing on interviews with influential local personalities.

Eric is well known in the county for his years as the breakfast show host on BBC Radio Shropshire.

His podcast series, entitled ‘In Conversation With Eric Smith’ can be found on the Star’s website here.

The first episode featured an interview with Telford Labour parliamentary candidate Shaun Davies who put his case for why the town should never have a mayor.

Future guests will include John Campion, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Police, and Midlands Today’s Nick Owen, who will talk about his love of the county and his appeal for more men to be tested for prostate cancer after his own brush with the disease.

Said Eric: “The Shropshire Star has been at the forefront of local journalism in the county for almost 60 years. Having been involved in local news in Shropshire for 35 years, it’s a great pleasure to join the team at the Shropshire Star to launch a new podcast series.

“I’m really excited to join the team and to explore what makes this county tick. From politicians to personalities – there are so many who have stories to tell.”

“Over the years I have met, and interviewed, some fascinating people in Shropshire and in this series I can now bring you extended conversations with the people who matter in the county – the people who shape the landscape of Shropshire and the characters who bring this county to life.

“I hope these podcasts answer some of the listeners’ questions about Shropshire and certainly give them food for thought.”