Revamped Blue Peter set for Salford debut

Blue Peter will be broadcast for the first time from its new home in Salford later today (September 26th) after 53 years in London.

With a revamped set and theme tune, the BBC children's programme is to appeal to a new generation of "tech savvy" viewers from its MediaCity studios in Salford.

Pets are to be phased out and the audience will soon be able to interact with celebrities and phone via a webcam and email.

Tim Levell, the show's editor, said the programme's purpose would remain the same but that the move was a chance to refresh it.

"Underlying everything, Blue Peter has the same values," he said. "We are about telling younger viewers about things that are interesting to them - that's always been the same. The wrapping is slightly different but the present inside is still the same."

Several BBC departments, including Children's, Sport and 5 Live, are currently in the process of moving to the north-west.