THE team behind a soon-to-be launched radio station are pledging to grant the wishes of local listeners.

Wish FM takes to the airwaves on April 1 on 102.4 targeting an area including St Helens, Skelmersdale, Leigh and Wigan, with a potential audience of more than 500,000.

It is also hoped to create 30 new job opportunities at the purpose-built studios at Orrell Lodge, Orrell, formerly the head office of Ansar Homes.

Wish FM - which stands for (WI)gan and (S)t (H)elens - is promising listeners top rugby coverage and classic sounds from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Station bosses have already invested £600,000 in the new venture, which has received support from the local authority and St Helens Chamber of Commerce Training & Enterprise.

Wish FM managing director Tony Dewhurst says: "Until now people have had to listen to an overspill of city radio based in Liverpool, Manchester or Preston but now they can have their own station with the best music, local news, views and of course local sport."

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