Otley could be about to get its very own radio station.

Radio hams fresh from the success of community station Guiseley FM - which is due to go ahead for its second year in June - have turned their attentions to Otley.

And if their application to the National Lottery's small grants scheme is successful, they hope to be on the air in just a few weeks time.

Nigel Francis, the man behind Wharfedale FM, and who is

pictured left leaning on a World War Two radio car, said the aim was to have a temporary 28 day licence to coincide with one of the town events such as the vintage transport rally in August or the folk festival in September.

"It's very exciting. We will be working in close co-operation with Guiseley FM and will hope to link in with either the transport rally or the folk festival," said Mr Francis.

The radio station will be on the air from around 7am to 11pm and will feature a breakfast show and a drive-time show as well as contributions from local organisations and charities.

"We will hopefully incorporate a lot of community groups like the Talking Newspaper and Arts for Otley.

"We're aiming to attract all sorts of people and hope they will want to take part," said Mr Francis.

And there is a possibility that radio soap, Guiseley Yarns on Guiseley FM, will see its life extended on the Otley radio station. "We'll have to see how well it goes down, but if it is popular we could carry in on. People in Otley will be able to pick up Guiseley FM so they might be hooked after June."

But organisers will have to wait to find out whether their application for £4,500 from the lottery is successful before applying for a broadcast and other licences.

"It's a bit of a Catch-22 situation. We can't apply for the licence before we know that we're going to get the money, and then it's all going to be a bit rushed.

"But until then there's no point in finalising all the arrangements like having somewhere to broadcast from," added Mr Francis.

Anyone who would like to get involved with Wharfedale FM can telephone Nigel Francis on (01943) 463467.