The brand new local radio station for the Harrogate district has officially started broadcasting this morning.

Breakfast show host Nick Hancock took to the airwaves at 8am to launch Your Harrogate Radio.

Many well-known local figures have sent their good wishes to the new station, including Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP Andrew Jones (pictured above).

Also welcoming the launch have been local business owners, headteachers of schools in the district, St Michael’s Hospice and the manager of Harrogate Town FC.

Speaking about the launch of Your Harrogate Radio, Andrew Jones MP said:

“People know what to expect, really good contacts with the local community.

“I think it’s really good what you’re doing, and I’m pleased to see it, I’m sure it will be successful.

“You’ve got a great track record, and the things you’ve delivered for us have made our area better, so good luck to you”.

Sarah Bassitt, the headteacher of Killinghall C of E Primary School, told us what local radio means to her:

“You don’t realise how important it is until you don’t have it. 

“We haven’t had a local radio station for a quite a few months now, and especially given the timeframe that we’ve not had one, through a pandemic is the time where you miss it most.

“It’s those local stories, and it’s not just the news, it’s the feel good stories, and I think those are the things that have really been missed by the local community.”

Local charities have also welcomed the launch of Your Harrogate Radio.

Here’s what Sarah Jepson, the Brand Communications Executive at Martin House, had to say:

“Martin House has benefitted on numerous occasions from our links with local radio stations, helping us to raise awareness of children’s hospice care provision across our region and reach more families in need.

“We wish everyone at Your Harrogate Radio the best of luck with the launch of the station and we look forward to working alongside you in the near future!”

And Simon Weaver, manager of Harrogate Town AFC, had this message:

“We’d like to wish everybody at Your Harrogate, the new radio station, the best of luck for it’s launch, good luck!”

There’s a range of different ways you can listen to Your Harrogate, find out more here…

http://yourharrogate.co.uk/you/how-to-listen/

 

Nick Hancock, host of the breakfast show on Your Harrogate