A TRIAL radio station took to the air waves last weekend in the latest stage of its bid to win the licence to broadcast to the Durham area.

Durham FM went on air on Saturday on 107FM with a mix of music, what's on, plus local and national news.

It is the second trial stint for Durham FM, whose first pilot broadcast was shortly before Christmas.

The station is one of two bidders for a licence to serve Durham and surrounding area.

Durham FM's rival, DLR (Durham Local Radio), will stage its second stint on air in September.

Project manager Brian Lister, said early feedback after Saturday's switch on was favourable.

The station is based in the former Tourist Information Centre premises in the Market Place.

Output began on Saturday with North-East presenter Pete Clough at the microphone.

Durham FM can be heard 24-hours a day through to Friday, July 18, with further information available on www.durhamfm.net