A COMMUNITY radio station has high hopes of obtaining a permanent licence after completing a successful trial broadcast.

Radio Teesdale came off the air on Sunday after completing a four-week trial on a Restricted Service Licence.

The Barnard Castle-based station has now applied to communications watchdog Ofcom for a permanent licence.

This was Radio Teesdale's second trial broadcast, having completed another earlier this year.

Michael Fryer, one of the presenters, said: "We finished on a high on Sunday with an interview with the gardener Geoffrey Smith and also the broadcast premiere of a new piece of brass band music.

"There's been lots of highlights. One of the main ones has been the live performances of musicians in the studio which didn't happen last time. These were on Nate and Andy Greener's show.

"There was also Undercurrent, with Colin Robinson, which featured a lot of indie music and local bands, and actually got e-mails from all over the world."

Radio Teesdale only had a range of about five miles while it broadcast. However, if it is successful in getting a permanent licence, it is hoped a booster can be put up to give it a greater range.

Ofcom said there had been 192 applications for community radio licences nation-wide, but only six had been received from the North-East.

Only 50 licences are expected to be granted in the first year but because Radio Teesdale is located in a rural area it may stand a better chance of receiving a licence.

The station needs volunteers for all roles.

To find out more, contact (01833) 696750.