PRESENTERS and background people are needed to help run Otley's first ever community radio station.

Wharfedale FM is due to go on air for two weeks at the end of November and will coincide with Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market on December 7.

If everything goes to plan, it will be broadcast from the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer offices in Orchard Gate between 7am and 10pm and aims to give as many community groups, schools and organisations a chance to reach a wider audience.

Licences from the Radio Authority have being applied for and organisers are now looking for keen people to run the station.

Organiser, Nigel Francis, said they were looking for people to answer telephones, deal with queries and to present programmes.

"We've applied for the radio licences and hopefully will hear something in the next couple of weeks.

"We are now looking for people to look after the reception, to take requests and answer the telephone. We also want to hear from any groups or organisations who want to appear."

Mr Francis said they would be contacting schools shortly to invite them to get involved.

It is hoped that the radio station will give Otley Victorian Fayre a boost and attract a lot of people to the pre-Christmas shopping event.

"Otley has been hit very badly by the foot and mouth epidemic and the Victorian Fayre will be one of the few events to take place in the town this year.

"We are hoping that lots of people will go and that we can promote it across the whole of the Wharfe Valley," added Mr Francis.

l For more information or requests contact Nigel Francis at 6 Pearson's Buildings, Otley or telephone him on (01943) 463467.

Requests can also be left at the Wharfedale Observer at 9 Orchard Gate, Otle, LS21 3NX.