A NEW radio station hit the airwaves in North Devon this week as The Voice 106 FM aired its first live show.

Former Heart presenters Hopps and Chapple were the first to broadcast live from the station's purpose built studios on Barnstaple Square at 9am on Tuesday, November 9.

NOW HEAR THIS: Paul Hopper, Ian Starling and James Chapple broadcasting from the Barnstaple studio of newly launched The Voice local radio station. Picture: Rob Tibbles Ref BNRT20101109F-009_C
SPREAD THE WORD: Elaine Capner, Anna Takken and Emma Bills with promotional leaflets outside the Barnstaple studio of The Voice. Picture: Rob Tibbles Ref BNRT20101109F-012_C

The pair will host the station's breakfast show for the duration of a 28-day Restricted Service Licence (RSL) which will cover most of Barnstaple.

They will be joined on air by Martin King from 1pm to 4pm and Paul Andrews from 4pm to 7pm.

Other presenters include former Lantern FM hosts PJ and Spanky, Westcountry television presenter Seth Conway and Torrington-born presenter and former Black Thunder crew member Rachel Knight.

Station founder Ian Starling, who will present the daily mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm, said he was delighted to see the station come to fruition.

He said: "It's been a long and winding road to reach this day but now it's finally here I'm hugely excited. So many people have put in so much hard work and given up their time to help the cause and I'm extremely grateful to them all. This whole campaign has shown just how passionate the people of North Devon are for local radio and I hope this month-long trial paves the way for something more permanent."

For more information visit www.thevoice106.co.uk.