LANARKSHIRE is set to have its own television channel next year broadcasting exclusively to the area. An application has been made to the Independent Television Commission for a licence by three local partners. If successful, it will mean that Lanarkshire TV could be up and running by as early as January with local news and sports.

The partners, Jim Deans, Jim Robertson, and Bill Cameron, said the idea was to provide a unique service for the people of Lanarkshire. Mr Deans said: ''Lanarkshire TV will have stories which are of more interest to the locals.''