COMMUNITY radio station Drystone Radio is expanding from its South Craven and the southern Yorkshire Dales base.

Following a ruling from the communications regulator, OFCOM. Drystone Radio, which currently broadcasts to over 70,000 people from studios in Cowling, has been granted permission to broadcast on FM to Ilkley, Addingham, Burley-in-Wharfedale and surrounding areas from a new transmitter site at Langbar above Ilkley.

It’s hoped the new transmitter for Ilkley on 102 FM will go live within the next month or so.

Owner, David Adams, said: “Permission to extend our service into Wharfedale is a huge vote confidence from OFCOM.”

Drystone Radio aims to broaden its service of local news, traffic and travel, weather and community news once the new transmitter is switched on.

OFCOM recently granted permission for Drystone Radio to boost its FM signal on 103.5 FM, broadcast from Sutton-in-Craven, to improve reception but still can’t be heard in Ilkley because Ilkley Moor blocks the signal from reaching Wharfedale.

Drystone Radio director and breakfast show presenter, James Proctor, said: “With the imminent demise of Stray FM, we’re here to provide Ilkley with true local radio as we have done here in Craven for the past twenty years. Not from Harrogate, not from London, we’re live from Cowling and Ilkley