OFCOM has granted Vectis Radio permission to transmit with more power so the Newport based station can be heard in places on the Isle of Wight currently unable to receive it.

During the last month Vectis Radio has had its request for an increase in their licensed area provisionally agreed.

The larger area will be achieved by increasing the power of the station's transmitter, situated in Newport, and is subject to the new technical arrangements required going through Ofcom's usual formal clearance process.

Station manager, Ian Mac, said: “We couldn't be happier that Ofcom has granted this increase to our power.

"It will enable us to cover many of the villages surrounding Newport more effectively.

“Ofcom concurred with our reasoning that these villages have clear affinities with Newport, and many people from them travel to Newport for work, education, recreation or retail.”

Vectis Radio director, Kelvin Currie, said: "Ofcom has issued us with a set of technical specifications to meet, and we are looking forward to that challenge.

"We will work with the regulator to achieve the best outcome for ourselves and the local community.

“Preliminary work has already begun to establish the outline cost of the project, so we can look for funding."

Vectis Radio has been broadcasting from its Newport studios on FM 104.6 since November 2017, having been in existence since 2010.