The new transmitter on 98.9 FM was turned on in time for Christmas.

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

Founded in 2006, it has many listeners in the Ferndown area but the signal hasn’t been perfect – so OFCOM approved an additional transmitter specifically for the town.

Station manager Steve Saville said, “We’re so pleased 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.”

Steve thanked Dorset Council for facilitating the new transmitter site and said, “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.”