THE BBC is to launch its own version of the Brit Awards.

A new annual music bash will be launched by the corporation this year to recognise the songs and performers who have made the biggest mark and promising eye-catching collaborations.

It will be hosted by Radio 2's Chris Evans, above - a host of ITV's Brits coverage in years gone by - along with Fearne Cotton, and will come from Earl's Court.

The BBC said the new event was the musical equivalent of its long-established Sports Personality Of The Year event, rather than a rival to the ITV show.

The announcement comes after the Brits struggled to pull in a large audience in February.