PALACE FM is set to become Redcar’s newest radio station when it starts broadcasting in less than two weeks time.

A team of 30 volunteers are in the final stages of preparation before the station launches online on April 29. It will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with daytime presenting slots nearly filled up.

Listeners who tune in on Saturday from 10am-12pm will be greeted by the familiar voice of ex-BBC Tees presenter Mark Turnbull. Other shows include a gaming and technology show hosted by an 11-year-old schoolboy, and an acoustic and folk show hosted.

Dee Wold, the station manager and founder, said: “It’s always been an ambition of mine to run a radio station. When I moved to Redcar and discovered how much talent there was, and the fact that there was nothing like this already, it was just a case of right place right time.

“The directors got together in September last year and started planning and this is the result. It’s marvellous.”

The station has applied for an FM broadcast licence and is still waiting to hear whether it will be granted. Ms Wold said they were determined to push on regardless and that it wouldn’t affect their ability to broadcast online.