OFFICIALS behind the first dedicated radio station in Diss have hailed the start of Park Radio, which hit the airwaves this week.

A programme of music and chat began at the weekend when the community station began broadcasting on a short-term FM licence from a former music shop in Market Hill.

The station, which can be heard on 87.7FM until midnight on Christmas day, received the backing of BBC Look East newsreader Stewart White who officially opened Park Radio on Saturday.

Organisers have received a 28-day licence from Ofcom to broadcast in the area, but hope to gain a longer-term licence next year.

Chris Moyse, one of the directors of the station, said there had been a good response from the community with more than 2,000 people logging on to their website on Monday.

He added that the Diss radio station could be heard as far afield as Long Stratton, Harleston, Garboldisham and Stanton in Suffolk.

'So far the reaction has been very positive and we have a lot of listeners and a lot of people ringing in and texting in. We are very pleased with the output and sound and we have a strong on air team,' he said.

Shows will run from 6am during the weekdays with a late show starting at midnight. DJs will also be handing over the presenting reins to youngsters from South Norfolk Youth Action (SNYA) Radio between 7pm and 10pm every Tuesday.

Mr Moyse added that the 28-day licence was just the first step for the station.

'We are applying for another short-term licence in the spring and the ultimate plan is to get a licence for five years from the end of next year and it is a question of the community of Diss supporting us to endorse our application,' he said.