GENEROUS sponsors are needed to help get Otley's own radio station back on the airwaves this summer.

Organisers behind Wharfedale FM, which went on air for the first time for two weeks last year, plan to make a triumphant return this summer.

But before they go ahead they need to raise more than £2,000 to pay for radio authority licences.

Nigel Francis, of Wharfedale FM, said they were hopeful of getting grants but were in urgent need of major sponsors.

"We really need one or two major sponsors to come up with around £500.

"We'd also like people to come along and get involved, we don't mind who they are and we'll train them, so they needn't have any experience."

If everything goes to plan the radio station will go out from June 1 to June 14 to coincide with celebrations to mark the queen's Golden Jubilee.

Mr Francis said: "We want to be on air to cover all the street parties and other celebrations and to promote Otley Carnival on June 15.

"We did think about being on at the same time, but thought we'd all want to be out at it, but we'd give it all the publicity we could in the run up."

The radio station has again been promised the free use of the Wharfedale Newspapers offices in Orchard Gate for the second time and is borrowing radio equipment.

Mr Francis said: "The use of the offices and equipment is really generous and has cut down hugely on costs.

"But we still need to get the licences and the radio transmitter and all that costs money. If anyone could help us, it would be much appreciated ."

Last year, Wharfedale FM went out in the middle of December and was on air to promote Otley Victorian Fayre.

l Anyone willing to help out or interested in sponsoring the project, should contact Nigel Francis on (01943) 463502 or 463467.