The countdown to the launch of Ridge Radio is under way with the final preparations being made for when the station goes live on Saturday, 2nd April. Yesterday saw the erection of the stunning new Ridge Radio sign at its premises opposite The Arc in Weston Drive, Caterham-on-the-Hill.

Local resident, Mark Jones, launched the idea of a community radio station for Tandridge at a meeting at The Arc last September and received huge support from members of the public keen to be involved in the exciting new project. The station now has a team of 35 DJs and 25 behind-the-scenes people but still needs five more DJs and more technical assistants.

Mark said: "The help we have received has been brilliant. Yesterday I needed ladders to put up the sign so I posted the request on Facebook and at 5pm a team from The Heat Company in Warlingham, who I have no connection with, came and put up our sign! As each day gets nearer the idea becomes reality. It's so fantastic how the community has come together. Everyone keeps saying to me what a good job I have done but it's not me .... it is the community that has done this!"

Listeners will be able to tune in to hear the station online by visiting www.ridgeradio.co.uk but Ridge Radio can be heard on FM radio during DeFest weekend on the 18th and 19th June. Another exciting project will be the recording of a charity song involving 33 Tandridge schools with the proceeds of the sales of the cd going to local charities.

Members of the Ridge Radio team will be out and about this summer so look out for them at the Caterham Carnival, the Caterham Festival Street Party, the Oxted Pram race and other public events. For more information about the station go to www.ridgeradio.co.uk or visit the Ridge Radio Facebook page.