An application for a new community radio station has been put forward.

Ridgeway Community Radio aims to broadcast from the heart of Dorchester and has submitted its application to Ofcom, which oversees all community FM radio station applications.

Andy Worth, chairman of Ridgeway Hospital Radio, worked on the application and explained that his time broadcasting at Dorset County Hospital inspired him to start a new community radio station.

He said: “The idea of Ridgeway Community Radio is inspired by 50 years of hospital radio broadcasting in Dorchester. The new and separate service would be aimed at the tastes of the 50+ age group, and to 'bring the outside in' for anyone unable to attend events held in and around Dorchester.

“In Dorchester, there are already good radio stations for young people and we hope to provide a good radio station for older people.”

The Ridgeway Community Radio team was invited to apply for a new community radio station between May and July, and they will now have to wait for their application to be accepted by Ofcom, which could take up to three months.

Mr Worth added: “We shall have to wait until Ofcom respond to our application, which could be three months. After that we would hope to be on-air in around 18 months. In the meantime, listeners can get a flavour of what we would do by listening to Ridgeway Radio Online which can be heard by visiting the Ridgeway Radio website.”

The application for Ridgeway Community Radio has been backed by organisations within the Dorchester community, including Dorchester Arts, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester Town Council, Dorchester Hospitals Foundation and more.

Mr Worth said he wants the radio station to inform residents about community events.

He also encouraged people to get involved. 

He said: “It is fantastic that Dorchester has this opportunity. We would like to hear from anyone who would like to be involved in either hospital or community radio. Contact us via the Ridgeway Radio website www.ridgewayradio.org.uk”