Residents' donations ensure former Yorkshire Coast Radio staff reach their cash target to launch new station

Breakfast show host Paddy Billington is among those who launched an online appeal asking for residents' help to start the new station.

In less than a week, they have raised more than £11,000 - surpassing their £10,000 target.

As reported by the Scarborough News, Paddy is one of a team of former Yorkshire Coast Radio staff who have decided to start up on their own after leaving the Bauer-owned station which has now become Greatest Hits Radio.

Other presenters involved in the new project include Tom Hooper, Matthew Pells, Kev Roberts and Mike Nicholson.

“We feel like there is demand in the area for us to give it a go," said Paddy.

“It’s a gamble but too many people seem to want it so we’re giving it a go.”

The new station - This is the Yorkshire Coast - will be a digital station which will start broadcasting next month.

Paddy, who grew up in Scarborough, said he had been listening to Yorkshire Coast Radio since it began and he is sorry to see it changed under the Greatest Hits Radio merger.

“Leaving has been emotional because it’s not just been about me losing the show that I really enjoyed doing, it’s also thinking back over the history of the radio station,” he said.

“Everyone in radio has heard of the success of Yorkshire Coast Radio. We almost thought we were untouchable.”

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Jean MacQuarrie

Editor-in-Chief