WYRE Forest folk have given the thumbs up to the district's newest radio station.

Kidderminster FM owner Muff Murfin said: "I have never had such an immediate response to a station going on air and I think a lot of that is down to the Shuttle/Times and News involvement.

"We have had so many people making contact to get publicity for their groups and events and offering their congratulations. Frankly, we under-estimated the number of calls we would receive."

He added: "I have been involved in setting up stations all over the country but there is definitely a demand for one in Wyre Forest."

The station, based at Kidderminster College, aims to bring a mix of music, news and information from Wyre Forest.

The venture is being backed by the Shuttle/Times and News for a month's trial run until March 31.

News has been provided by Shuttle/Times and News journalists and national news coverage came on line yesterday.

On Saturday sports editor James Reece will be bringing reports of Kidderminster Harriers' match at Cambridge and will follow up with coverage of the local derby with Shrewsbury on Tuesday night.

The station's launch has also been backed with a host of competitions involving Severn Valley Railway, UCI Merry Hill, National Exhibition Centre and National Indoor Arena.

If you want to make an appeal or publicise your organisation's event call the station on 01562 825570.