A NEW permanent radio station has been given a licence to broadcast in East Yorkshire.

The West Wolds Radio service will be dedicated to Pocklington and its surrounding villages, staffed by volunteers, and provide local programming every day.

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom granted West Wolds Radio a five-year licence after a bid was submitted by locals in 2013, and the station will go on the air – broadcast on FM, online and on mobiles – early next year.

Stuart Cocker, founder and station manager, said: “I’m so thrilled we have been given the opportunity of launching something brand new. We’ve used the experience of providing really local broadcasting elsewhere to shape the West Wolds Radio service into an essential part of local life. We consulted with local people and groups before submitting our application and we are delighted that the hope has become reality.

“The next step is to start recruiting members, talk to businesses about supporting the station, and begin equipping the studios which will be based just outside the town centre. In other words, the hard work begins now.”

To find out more email info@westwoldsradio.co.uk or phone 07949 158786.