Verwood-based radio station Forest FM has added another frequency for listeners in Ferndown.

The station, which is on 92.3FM in Verwood, can now be heard on 98.9FM giving it a bigger area to cover.

Forest FM is run entirely by volunteers – with studios in Verwood, West Moors and Ferndown.

The station started in 2006 and has many listeners in the Ferndown area but the signal hasn’t been perfect – so radio regulator Ofcom approved an additional transmitter specifically for the town.

Station manager Steve Saville said: “We’re so please that local residents can now hear us on their portable radios in their kitchens and of course in their cars whilst driving around the area.

“We’re also moving with the times and we’re available online and via smart speakers. We’ve always included clubs, groups and musicians from Ferndown on the station and we would like even more people to join in with us.

“Sadly, so many local stations have been swallowed up by large corporate radio companies but Forest FM is committed to providing truly local radio run by local people.

“We would like to thank Dorset council for facilitating the new transmitter site. 98.9 FM is right next to Radio 1 on the FM dial and of course we will be retaining our 92.3 FM transmitter in Verwood.”