Entrepreneur and explorer Rikki Hunt is calling on fans of his new radio station Swindon FM to write in letters of support.

He hopes these letters will help persuade the Radio Authority to grant the station a full broadcasting licence by next year.

The part-time explorer, who has just returned to Swindon from climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia, the highest mountain on the European continent, is confident of success.

Mr Hunt, chairman of Swindon 107FM and Fuel Force, said: "We will not rest until Swindon has the local radio station it deserves. Letters of support are still pouring in, so the demand clearly exists."

Swindon FM's cause has been boosted with the support of local commerce as well as the community.

"The sky is the limit because we have the financial resources from businesses and, more importantly, public backing to make this project work," Mr Hunt said. "All we need now is to win the licence."

The station's second four-week trial broadcast, finished last month, and was followed with hundreds of letters praising the service.

Debbie Wheeler, managing director of Swindon 107FM, said: "It is a truly local station which aims to boost community spirit. The response has been fantastic so we cannot wait to be back on air."

One keen listener is Swindon Mayor, Coun Stan Pajak, who is so impressed by the station, he wrote to the radio licensing authority, voicing his support.

He said: "Swindon FM is a fantastic station purely for Swindon. I enjoyed the emphasis on good news, which is rare these days, and the blend of music was very impressive.

"They even played one of my favourite songs Vincent by Don McLean. And the new styles of music were extremely welcome."

Shirley Ludford, presenter and producer at Swindon FM, is thrilled to be part of the project.

She said: "The station has enormous potential and is raising awareness of local charities."

Julia Drown, South Swindon MP, is equally enthusiastic.

She said: "Swindon is big enough to support another commercial radio station. It raises local morale and offers more musical choice."

Ms Drown particularly liked the jazz focus and was overwhelmed by response when she took calls from listeners on air.

"The calls came flooding in, so Swindon FM has the backing of Swindon people," she said. "It would be great to hear it back in action on a more permanent basis."

Swindon FM has already been granted a licence to operate digitally and this service will be launched early next year.

If you want to air your views of Swindon FM and lobby the Radio Authority to obtain a full licence for Swindon, write to: Swindon FM, 10-14 High Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 3EP.

www.swindonfm.com