A community radio station left the airwaves at the weekend, but organisers are hoping to return next year following the support of local people.

Father Christmas paid a visit to Diss-based Park Radio on Christmas Eve as the station entered its final day of a short-term FM licence.

But officials said they aimed to return to the radio waves in the spring before applying for a five year licence at the end of 2011.

More than 1,000 people have already signed a petition calling for Ofcom to grant the station permission to broadcast on a long-term basis.

Chris Moyse, one of the directors, said the station in Market Hill, Diss, had been like 'Piccadilly Circus' over the last 28 days.

'They are coming to us in their droves and people want us to stay around. Diss is in between two big places that had dedicated radio stations, which have now merged, and Diss has the need for a local station,' he said.

Park Radio covers the Diss area and stretches as far afield as Long Stratton, Harleston and Garboldisham. The station has had visits from guests including Emmerdale star Amanda Donohoe, Diss Mayor Adrian Kitchen, and The Searchers, since its launch on November 28.

Fellow director John Cross added that they would try and maintain the momentum of Park Radio, despite being off the airwaves.

'We can not apply for a five year licence until Ofcom advertises the licence, but we will have some online presence and will get the evidence to prove we have the interest,' he said.