A NEW name takes to the airwaves today as the Shuttle/Times and News backs a bid to give Kidderminster its very own radio station.

Kidderminster FM started broadcasting on 107.2FM this morning, bringing a mix of music, news and information from Wyre Forest.

The trial venture, which runs until March 31, is the first move in a bid to win the race to provide the district with a full-time community station within a year.

It is based at Kidderminster College in Hoo Road and will involve on-air training for students with ambitions to become radio presenters. Kidderminster FM mastermind Muff Murfin (centre) with town DJ Paul Teague and Shuttle/Times and News editor Clive Joyce.

The station is targeting an over-35 audience and will broadcast Wyre Forest news and sport supplied by the Shuttle/Times and News as well as national news.

Among experienced presenters will be Kidderminster-based Paul Teague who has worked in commercial radio for six years including running his own station in the West Midlands.

Also on air are Phil Tonks who DJs at a Kidderminster nightspot, Neal Bowden who presents on Classic Gold, and Rob Tovey, a former Buzz FM host.

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with Muff Murfin who has a commercial radio pedigree stretching back more than 20 years and was part of the consortium which set up Radio Wyvern in the 80s.

He now owns Sunshine Radio, Classic Gold Radio, Radio Maldwyn in Mid-Wales and Mansfield Radio.

Mr Murfin said: "I have a soft spot for Kidderminster. I used to play in a band in the town and I believe that Kidderminster can support and deserves a good local radio station.

"The Shuttle/Times and News gathers the best news around and so it makes sense for us to get together for this opportunity."

The Radio Authority, which awards licences and frequencies, is set to advertise for applicants for a Kidderminster licence in the next 12 months and Kidderminster FM aims to be among the contenders.

Shuttle/Times and News editor Clive Joyce said: "We feel it is time Kidderminster had a dedicated station.

"The district's leading newspaper can make a major contribution with its news-gathering expertise and knowledge of the community. The Shuttle Times and News is a highly respected newspaper which has reported on events in this community for more than 125 years.

"It is part of the family in Wyre Forest and we are simply aiming to make Wyre Forest's best news and information service even better."

Kidderminster FM started test broadcasting today and will be running full programmes from Monday.

How to get in on the action

WE want the whole community to get involved with Wyre Forest's latest radio venture.

If you want to make an appeal or publicise your organisation's activities and events on air telephone 07968 739433.

The e-mail address is muff.murfin@virgin.net.

And your music requests and event details can also be dropped in at Kidderminster College in Hoo Road (please mark envelope Kidderminster FM).