With just another week to go, Coastal Radio 107.3 is asking listeners and readers to show their support for a local and community radio station in Great Yarmouth.

The station is nearing the end of its 28-day trial licence and it needs to demonstrate to regulators there is a need for such a facility, and service, in the Yarmouth and north Lowestoft areas.

Already people have shown their support by regularly posting on the station’s Facebook page and logging on to station website.

Now messages of support would be welcome to form an application to bid for a full licence when it comes up for grabs later this year.

And the Mercury is supporting the Coastal Radio team in the bid.

There has been a raft of guests from the community on the station programmes, and many listeners have been delighted to hear their requests, as well as messages, read out on air.

Director Rob George said: “It’s all about our community, highlighting the best things about our community and where we live – and entertaining the people where we live.”

All the presenters are local, and the whole team of 40 people have been running the station on a voluntary basis since it launched the trial.

Backroom volunteers are still needed and age is no problem; from helping out with the Facebook page to passing on messages to presenters – the people behind the scenes enable the shows to go on!.

If the licence bid is successful, Coastal Radio 107.3 will be set up as a social enterprise which means any profits will have to be being ploughed back to help with its running costs and equipment, and the directors plan on offering work experience and training – which could lead to a spot on air.

Coastal Radio airs live from 6am to midnight daily, with music filling the remainder of the time.

The station is being currently funded by a £5,000 Norfolk Community Foundation grant, together with advertising revenue and sponsorship.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities at the station or sponsorship, you can email simonjones103@fsmail.net or log on to the website at www.coastalradio.co.uk.

To send in a music request or dedication, go to Coastal Radio 107.3’s Facebook page.

Remember, it is the support of the community which could lead to the area getting it’s very own dedicated radio station – for local people, and run by local people.

Coastal Radio wants your messages of support to demonstrate there is a need.

You can also write to The Mercury or email anne.edwards@archant.co.uk, and a selection of your letters of support will appear in The Mercury.