Local TV channels across the UK are set to move to more prominent positions in the Freeview TV guide.

Digital UK, the company which manages the Freeview programme guide, is offering local channels such as London Live and That’s Manchester the chance to take over the EPG slots vacated by BBC Three.

In Scotland and Wales local channels are listed at channel 23 but will now be eligible to move to channel 8 following BBC Three’s move online, while local services in England and Northern Ireland, which are currently on 8, will be offered the chance to move to channel 7.

The changes will take place in April and follow an industry wide consultation. Some viewers may need to retune their TV or set top box to receive the latest channel line-up.

Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: “The decision to move BBC Three online has opened up the opportunity to improve the prominence of local TV on Freeview across the UK.

“We will now work with the BBC, STV and local channel providers to make these changes as smoothly as possible.”