The BBC Trust has given the BBC the go ahead to develop apps. It had previously blocked the development following concerns over public value and competition.

Press Gazette is reporting that “the first of the new apps is expected to be made available today.”

The free BBC apps were set to be launched last April after being shown at Mobile World Congress but were blocked by the BBC’s governing body after complaints from media owners that they would distort the market.

In a statement issued this morning BBC Trustee Diane Coyle said.

“The Apps market is rapidly taking off as more people choose to get their news, sport and other online content while they’re on the move. […]we have concluded that while the Apps market is developing quickly and we will monitor the launch of BBC Apps, a public value test is not required.”

Update: Here’s the BBC News app for the iPhone and iPad.