A NEW radio station is set to hit the air waves next year after Marlow FM was granted a licence by OFCOM – and could now take the old frequency of Mix FM.

The fledgling station which broadcasts on-line discovered its application, lodged last November, had been successful this afternoon.

Plans are afoot to build two broadcast studios at Longridge Sports Centre in Quarry Wood Road, Marlow.

It faces a four month wait to find out what frequency it has been allocated.

However, marketing director Paul Mansell believes there is a good chance that it will replace former Wycombe station Mix 107.4 FM on the dial.

Checks must be carried out by the BBC and Civil Aviation Authority before it can begin broadcasting, while six weeks of transmission testing must also take place.

It was a double celebration for Mr Mansell, who is celebrating his birthday today.

“It's absolutely brilliant, I couldn't have asked for a better present,” he said.

“It's been really hard at times especially when you're on a budget of next to nothing, to keep going and be proactive.

“My wife has even threatened to leave me,” he joked.

The station hope to be up and running in time for the 2010 Marlow Regatta.