TRAFFORD Sound, the borough's community radio station, is finally on air.

It started broadcasting this week, six years after the project was launched and programme director Pete Brettle said residents can

expect a varied mix of programmes.

He said they will range from sport to mainstream and specialist music programmes and will broadcast using the Internet. The station, based in a purpose built suite at Altrincham's Cresta Court Hotel, is also available through a Smart Phone.

Pete said: "It's very exciting. We've been working very hard, we've built a very good team. We've received great help from Transworld Radio in Altrincham who gave us their old equipment. They've given us computer equipment, a mixing desk for the broadcasts. We're very appreciative of their help.

"Trafford is the only borough in Greater Manchester that doesn't have its own radio station. We hope to be a focal point and people can tune in, get the information they want and have some good entertainment and some great music."

Pete also said listeners will be able to interact with the radio station using social media and email. Sports coverage will range from Altrincham FC to Manchester Phoenix. There will also be a programme for the LGBT community.

Pete, whose own broadcasting experience ranges from hospital radio to working at Radio Hallam in Sheffield, said: "Like a lot of people when you set your mind to do something and it's something you believe in and its good, you try your very hardest to do it. I'm not a quitter in life."

* Trafford Sound still needs volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more should go to the 'Get Involved' section and traffordsound.org. No previous experience is necessary.

People can also listen to the station by visiting traffordsound.org or via a Smart Phone. Trafford Sound will have a stand at Altrincham Festival on Saturday and people can find out more about listening through their mobile phones.

Trafford Sound is holding a fundraising Quiz Night at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham on July 15 at 7.30pm.