North Yorkshire's county town could soon be served by its own commercial radio station.

Moves are under way to set up a broadcasting station to cover Northallerton and the surrounding area of Hambleton.

A nine-day trial broadcast is scheduled to begin towards the end of next month.

That could be followed early next year with a longer, 28-day trial.

The group behind the move believes it has spotted a gap in the broadcasting network and plans to create a service which will be tailored to the local area.

It is already seeking enthusiasts willing to help with the trial on a voluntary basis.

It has set up Harmony Broadcasting in the hope of taking to the air with a mix of music and local features.

The Radio Authority, the body which licences radio stations, has given its approval to a Restricted Service Licence for the trial, which will operate from October 25 to November 2.

Local group spokesman Brian Cooper, who is expected to be station manager, said yesterday: "Northallerton deserves its own radio station and that view is shared by many people we have spoken to.

"We want to appeal to as many people as possible and the station will broadcast a mix of great music from the 1960s through to the present day along with news and information about local events and people in and around the area."

He added: "Local should mean local. All the members of our group are passionate about local radio and about what it should provide for the local area.

"The theme we are working on is 'All your favourites, all the time'."

Although the trial will be for only nine days it is expected to be labour intensive and help will be needed.

"Even running the station for a week will need hosts of volunteers to answer phones, arrange interviews with local personalities and even present on-air, subject to suitability," said Mr Cooper.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the project can contact Mr Cooper on 07960 997497.