WIMBORNE residents are set to take over the airwaves this winter as part of a brand new community initiative.

Locals have thrown their support behind the town’s first-ever radio station, Radio Wimborne.

And the volunteers behind the programme, which will air on weekdays between noon and 2pm, are looking for the Terry Wogans and Tony Blackburns of the future to take part.

Former mayor Malcolm Angel, who runs Gullivers Bookshop in Wimborne, said he has wanted to launch a station for Wimborne for more than 20 years.

“It’s very exciting indeed,” he said.

“There will be a commercial element in that we will sell advertising, but the aim is to create Wimborne’s first ever radio station for locals.”

The station will be based in the Allendale Community Centre.

Mr Angel said: “It’s the perfect place – a community centre for a community station.”

Steve Saville of Forest FM has also backed the plans – and Radio Wimborne will air on the same frequency, 92.3 FM.

“Forest FM has a huge reach throughout east Dorset,” said Mr Angel.

“Being given the opportunity to broadcast on that frequency is a wonderful opportunity for us.

“Many community radio stations start with no listeners at all, but Forest FM has an average of 60,000 a month, so it’s a real head start. Steve has even donated equipment to us, so we’re raring to go.”

It is hoped that the station will launch at the end of October.

The initiative is being supported by a team of volunteers in Wimborne, as well as the town’s Business Improvement District.

Mr Angel said: “We’ve had a fantastic response and we’re ready to get started.”

Training session

If you would like to get involved with Radio Wimborne, a training session will take place at Bournemouth University on Wednesday from 5pm until 8pm.

Booking is essential as places are limited – email info@radiowimborne.co.uk for more information.