THE couple behind Lakes FM, Roger and Lynne Gilbertson, believe that their team was responsible for proving there was a demand for a new commercial radio station in Kendal.

It was following the station's two successful 28-day stints on air in 1998 and 1999, broadcasting on 107.0MHzFM, that the Radio Authority announced it was to advertise for a licence in the area.

"If it wasn't for us, there wouldn't be a licence on offer," said Mr Gilbertson.

"We have proved the demand was there and is still there."

The couple have been campaigning since August 1998 for a new local radio station for the Kendal area.

Following the second test broadcast in May and June 1999, they decided that, in order to take their project further, they needed the support of an experienced radio group, and it was agreed that Carlisle-based C-FM could provide Lakes FM with financial strength and technical expertise, without the Kendal station losing any of its local identity.

Up-to-date news from the area, with a varied mix of music, presented by local people with "personality" is the vision of Lakes FM.

"We don't just want to sit in a studio and broadcast," said Mrs Gilbertson.

"The whole point is that we want to get out and about, speaking to people in the community, especially for people living in the rural areas so they really feel that we are bringing it to them."

Their application, which was flown down to London, is the result of two years hard work, but the couple are confident of their proposals.

Mr Gilbertson said: "Our research seems to show that our two broadcasts were went down well and prove that we have come up with the right formula.

"Obviously we don't know what our competitors are offering, but we certainly know that what we have come up with has worked on two occasions."

TITLE: Lakes FM

FORMAT: 75 per cent music, 25 per cent talk.

TARGET AUDIENCE: 15-45 year-olds

NEWS: National and local news every half hour during the morning and evening shows.

Farming news will be emphasised.

SPORTS: Bulletins throughout the week.

Latest scores and full-time results of local games on Saturday afternoon.

TRAVEL: Regular travel and traffic updates.

MUSIC: Current chart and top 40 hits from the 60s onwards, with a more varied music choice in the evenings, including dance, soul, R 'n' B, blues, country, northern soul, classic rock and jazz.

FEATURES: Special slot on weather for fell walkers, information about local non-profit making and charity events.

JOBS CREATED: Three full-time news and sales posts initially, but with a team of up to 26 part-time presenters working from a studio in Kendal.

BACKING: Carlisle-based C-FM, which provides radio services in North and West Cumbria.

The Kendal studio will broadcast the breakfast show between 6am and 10am, and the evening mix between 6pm and 10pm, with a sustaining service from C-FM, with local news and events compiled by staff in the Kendal studio broadcast at regular intervals through the day.

The Lakes FM service will develop as resources permit.

SUPPORT: Hundreds of letters of support pledged from local people and businesses during and following the station's two test broadcasts.