THORNBURY’S community radio station has taken a big step towards permanent status as it prepares to move into its new studio in the town.

Relaunching last year, GLOSS FM, which covers Thornbury and the surrounding area, is set to move into the ground floor premises in Castle Street, having signed the paperwork this week.

The town’s former station, Thornbury FM, was founded in 2005, before rebranding as GLOSS FM in 2010 as it tried to expand to cover all of South Gloucestershire.

The venture however came to an end a year later after issues with obtaining an FM frequency licence.

“It’s a brilliant location for a radio studio,” said station director Glyn Roylance.

“It’s easily accessible and it will give us intriguing possibilities to cover local events such as the food fair and Thornbury Carnival.”

The advance has been made possible through the generosity of Penny Skinner and Rowena Moncrieffe from estate agents Bonds of Thornbury.

“It’s well known that we are big supporters of anything that enhances Thornbury,” the pair said “and we can see the huge potential for having a truly local radio station serving the people of Thornbury, with presenters from the town in a studio at its centre.”

Since it’s relaunch nine months ago, organisers have continued to lobby governing body Ofcom for the licence, with support from Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, resulting in Ofcom stating last year that they will invite applications for FM licences in “early 2018”.

Mr Roylance added that the town centre studio would make it much easier for residents to present shows on the station, with a number of vacancies available, both volunteer and paid.

Anyone interested in presenting, or helping behind the scenes are asked to get in contact by emailing studio@glossfm.co.uk, or phoning the station on 01454 838296.

For more information, visit glossfm.co.uk.