Updated: Earlier start time proposed for BBC3

The BBC is seeking to extend the broadcast hours of BBC Three into the afternoon.

The corporation said the BBC Trust, which would have to approve any change from the current 7pm start time, had not yet been approached.

"Senior management has agreed that extending the hours of BBC Three is something that we would like to do," said a spokesman. "However, we have not yet made any formal application."

Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said some of the additional time could be used for Switch, the corporation's teen programming strand.

The Trust is not expected to announce a decision until next year.

Bennett said she wants to see Switch shows, which currently include Kyle XY and Falcon Beach, in the "after school hours" on BBC Three.