THE ISLAND now has local FM radio stations - in stereo.

Vectis Radio, which was established as an online station is now a not-for-profit terrestrial broadcaster too just a touch of the dial away from IW Radio.

Christmas came early both for the station and for listeners when the first song played on Vectis FM was Derek Sandy's new seasonal single.

The button to switch on FM was pushed on Saturday by Hannah Barker, one of the students from the station's 4P's training school.

4PS aims to help young people aged between 11 and 19 boost their confidence and communication skills.

Guests at the ceremony included Bob Seely MP, IW Council leader Dave Stewart, and Vectis presenters.

Hannah has battled back after suffering brain damage when she fell from a window at the age of three.

"I can't think of a more special person to have flicked the switch for us on this special day," said founder and station manager Ian Mac.

Station manager Kelvin Currie said: "Vectis Radio has been testing the FM signal on our new104.6 frequency which has been beaming out from a new transmitter on the hills above Newport.

"People are picking up Vectis FM all over the Island and in Southampton and the New Forest coastal areas too, so we are sure we have got a good signal."

Vectis Radio was awarded its licence by Ofcom earlier this year and continues online too.