A new radio station has launched in south Norfolk.

Harleston Breakfast took to the digital airwaves three weeks ago and has already seen around 1,700 listeners tuning in.

The show is hosted by founder David Hoffman who was instrumental in setting up Park Radio in Diss.

David said: “Just over six weeks ago, I resigned from Park Radio, a local community station that I was key to establishing for Diss, Eye and Harleston, relinquishing my role as Breakfast Host and Head of Training.

“I was persuaded to offer a new on-line breakfast show which is now into its third week, gaining around 1700 listeners in such a short space of time has been incredible.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support shown by these figures and the number of members who have joined the Harleston breakfast group on Facebook, currently close to 1300 as I type. Not a bad result after just 13 days!”

Harleston Breakfast is live from 7am to 10am every weekday with other programmes supplied by Radio Stradbroke.

It offers national news updates twice an hour, local information, songs that you might not hear on other mainstream local services and a replay of some of the entertaining Janet and John stories by the late Sir Terry Wogan.

Whilst aiming the show for the benefit of Harleston residents, the show is also streamed by Radio Stradbroke and Coastal Radio in Great Yarmouth. As a result of that, Harleston Breakfast can be heard worldwide.

Many people listen via their smart speaker and phone, some via the website and others via mytuner- radio.com.

David said: “Without a doubt, this is a service to rival any other local radio station on-line or on FM. Many listeners now prefer to use smart technology to engage with their chosen radio station.

“It has personally cost me almost £500 in new equipment to ensure excellent sound quality and for the obligatory PRS and PPL licences. Any hobby costs money, and after almost 35 years as a radio professional, this is a real labour of love.

“I do it because I enjoy it, not because I need to. I am now almost semi-retired and earn a crust by delivering parcels for Hermes.”

David started his radio career at Radio Broadland before joining Saxon Radio and Radio Orwell – which then became SGR FM. He then moved to Classic Gold and subsequently spent two years co- presenting with Rick Wakeman on Planet Rock.

To tune into Harleston Breakfast visit www.harlestonbreakfast.co.uk

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