A community radio station will launch on-line to retain the interest of volunteers.

Ribble Valley Community Radio hit the airwaves in December 2005 after 12 months of fundraising and appeals.

With trial broadcast licences costing £5,000 from industry regulator Ofcom, the station has only undertaken two trial periods so far. Government licences for community radio are not being offered in the North West until autumn, and organisers have decided to launch on-line at www.ribblevalleyradio.org.uk.

Steve Suttie, founder member of the project at St Mary's Centre in Church Street, Clitheroe, believes the on-line trials will maintain the interest of project volunteers.

The 30-year-old of Henthorn Road, Clitheroe, said: "It costs £600 to get a community radio licence for 12 months but it is a waiting game to get that.

"To go on-line is a medium term solution that will allow us to keep a uniquely local service to Ribble Valley going.

"The main thing is it's open access with people who want to go on and work in radio or people who just love there record collection and anybody is welcome to volunteer.

"Our full time service will be working closely with the council and police and looking at community issues and concerns as well as being fun."