Following Bro Radio's launch on 100.2fm in Llantwit Major and surrounding areas, the station has now announced plans to launch in Penarth later this year on 106.1fm – bringing its service across the Vale of Glamorgan Coast.

Launched back in 2009, Bro Radio is a volunteer-led community radio service – which has continued to deliver local

radio for the county during the lockdown, from the homes of its volunteers.

The announcement was made on Vale Breakfast with Gareth and Nathan on Monday morning, where the Breakfast duo also announced plans to support local businesses with the launch of its new Vale Business directory and a competition to win £2,000 in advertising on the station, as it continues to support independent businesses in getting back on their feet following the coronavirus pandemic.

The expansion into Penarth follows approval from the industry regulator OFCOM to improve the station's FM signal around Penarth, Sully, Llandough and Dinas Powys.

The station has also had an application to increase its output on 100.2fm, to improve its FM coverage around Llandow and St Athan, which took place in recent weeks – improving signal between Barry and St Athan.

Once the work is completed, residents and visitors to the Vale of Glamorgan will be able to hear Bro Radio on 98.1 -

1. 1fm across the Vale of Glamorgan from Llandough to Llandow - with technology built into cars meaning your radio will simultaneously switch between 98.1fm, 100.2fm and 106.1fm, depending on which is the strongest signal available

.

Operations Director Nathan Spackman said, "The feedback to our launch in Llantwit Major and the service our volunteers have delivered during lockdown has been phenomenal and we are delighted that we can now bring our signal clearly to Penarth, Sully, Dinas Powys and Llandough in the future."

"Since our launch in 2009, we have worked to deliver local news and information for the entire Vale of Glamorgan and we are pleased that soon we'll be available on FM from Llandough to Llandow."

"Our team of volunteers have continued to work from home during the pandemic to deliver a local radio service - it's through their dedication, that we are in a position to be able to continue expanding the service we deliver."

The station's expansion in Llantwit Major was fast-tracked thanks to support from the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Vale Heroes Crisis Grant Fund, Glamorgan Voluntary Services and the National Lottery Fund.

It's hoped that Bro Radio can source funding to get on air in Penarth in the near future, supporting the local community in recovering following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Anyone who wishes to support Bro Radio in its launch in Penarth is asked to contact Nathan Spackman on [email protected] or 01446 420 681.