SWINDON'S newest radio station is returning but you will need a computer to listen in.

Swindon FM, which ran for a one-month trial in September, is planning to be broadcasting on the Internet before Christmas.

It is also launching a public consultation as part of its bid to become the town's third permanent radio station next year. It is lobbying the Radio Authority for Swindon to be awarded a licence for a new station.

The station, which broadcast in September on 107FM, wants to offer a mixture of music and local news. It says it models itself on Radio Two, and claims it would be the only truly local station.

GWR FM is based in studios in Wootton Bassett, but many of its shows are actually broadcast to stations across the country. BBC Wiltshire Sound has Swindon-only shows and is based in Old Town, but the majority of its broadcasts go across the county.

Swindon FM founder Director Ray Butt commented: "We aim to get the station to its rightful place on the FM dial as quickly as possible.

"But we have had such a great reaction to the last broadcast, including many letters of support, that we think that Swindon deserves the opportunity to listen to the station over the internet in the interim."

The station is looking for people aged between 25 and 60 to give it ideas as it prepares a bid for a future radio licence.

Station Manager Martin Dallaghan said: "We are looking for people to help fine tune the kind of features, information and style of music that appears on the station.'' The station has yet to set a date for its internet broadcasts.

n If you would like to be in the audience research group contact the studio on 01793 535084, e-mail studio-@swindonfm.com or write to Carl Humphreys at Swindon 107FM, PO BOX 2280, Swindon, SN1 3BN.

www.swindonfm.com