GMG Radio owned 100.4 Smooth FM will be available across the country when it joins Sky's digital satellite platform later this month.

The station, which broadcasts across the north west of England, will be available on EPG number 878 from Valentine's Day, 14th February.

100.4 Smooth FM launched in March 2004 and its mix of mellow soul classics and RnB music has been an instant hit with listeners.

The latest audience research released last week showed that in Q4 2004 the station attracted a record 437,000 listeners a week. Artists such as Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Simply Red, Lemar and Alicia Keys fill the schedules and attract more than three million hours of listening every week.

Managing Director Roy Bennett said: "The station’s been such a huge success it will be great to give it a national platform. Radio listening via the television continues to grow and is a great way for people to sample Smooth FM."