A VIRTUAL concert featuring more than a dozen local musicians and bands raised a thousand pounds for Wrexham's community radio station.

The online gig, coordinated by one of Calon FM's volunteers Chris Ingram, raised a total of £1,055 and will go towards ensuring the station is back on the airwaves.

Heather Wilson, one of the directors of Wrexham Community Broadcasting, which is looking to retain CalonFM's broadcasting licence, said: "Fundraising during Covid has been very difficult and we were really grateful for everybody's support in getting this off the ground. Chris played a huge role in organising and coordinating the musicians and poets such as Evrah Rose so a big thanks to him.

"CalonFM has been an amazing public resource in Wrexham for over 13 years. Sadly the station has been on hold while a new board was formed and new premises sought. This means starting afresh and funds are needed to get back on air as soon as possible - with new equipment, premises and staffing.

"Getting funding for this equipment will allow us to start preparing studios for volunteers to start broadcasting as soon as can and also create podcasts on our website covering a range of topics such as mental health, Wrexham community groups, music and acting."

Artists who contributed to the online gig included Evrah Rose, Andy Duncan, Andy Hickie, Check Masses, Una Quinn and Neil Campbell, Sera Songs, Trandoshan Hunters, Emmi Manteau, Logans Close, Georgia and the Vintage Youth and Hazel Siân.