A brand-new radio station for the Forest of Dean is up and running.

‘Dean Radio’ broadcasts on 105.6FM as well as online and via mobile apps. The station, run by volunteers, launched with a three-hour special edition of 'The Dean Magazine'. A live team presented the show on Friday 24th August that covered issues of local interest.

The team then covered Cindyfest on Sunday, with Clive Southerton hosting an extended version of his regular show. Local acts, such as ‘The Monkey Gland Sand Band’, came down to the studios at The Miner's Welfare Hall after their performances to have a chat with him.

The tagline of the station is 'From the Forest – For the Forest', and there is a diverse range of programming to reflect the interests of the community.

On Tuesday evenings Chris Arscott will present 'The Folk and Acoustic Music Show' from 6pm, while listeners can enjoy 'The Funk and Soul Sensation' on Friday at 8pm.

Station manager Ryan Davies was in a buoyant mood after a hugely successful launch. He said: “It was great for the new Dean Radio team to work together on the launch show. The team did an excellent job and I think it's exciting times for radio in the Forest.

“Despite the weather, Cindyfest on the Sunday was also brilliant. The team got some great interviews with the acts. It's a tribute to Foresters that rain or shine they came out to enjoy the bands.

“We hope we can support the Cindyfest team in 2019. It's such a great event.”

The station is looking to recruit more local people as volunteers and would be delighted to hear from anyone who wants to help out.