A new FM radio station dedicated to the people of west Cornwall is set to officially launch this Saturday.

Over the last two weeks Penwith Radio has been broadcasting test transmissions on its two frequencies, 96.5FM from its Penzance transmitter and 97.2FM from St Just, ensuring most of the Penwith peninsula is covered by the community radio station.

To help launch the station, local musicians including singer/songwriter Tom Dale and TeenStar finalist Molly Hocking from St Ives will be among the performers providing live entertainment. The station also hopes that members of the community will help launch the station from the Wharfside Shopping Centre.

The station has been broadcasting online for many years and its chairman, Julian Horner, said he saw the transition from being an exclusive internet station to a full FM service as a huge turning point in its history.

He said: “Penwith Radio always has been and will continue to be a station that provides a voice for the whole community it serves, and it's important that the community of west Cornwall helps launch their very own radio station. We're asking anyone who wants to come along to join us from 8am, where ‘Good Morning Penwith’ presenter, Steve West, will be hosting a live two-hour test transmission before the station officially goes on air at 10 o'clock in the morning.”

The station’s first day of broadcasting on FM will reflect the types of programmes it hopes to make on a weekly basis. After its four-hour launch programme, the station looks back at its past as it re-broadcasts its very first podcast from 2008. After that, most of Penwith Radio's presenters will host half-hour taster shows throughout the day.

Dave Pascoe, volunteer manager, said: “We have a very diverse presenting team, from people who have never been behind a microphone before, to ex-professionals who have had past careers at the BBC and in commercial broadcasting. Penwith Radio will certainly be an exciting mix aimed at everyone.”

The radio station’s aim is to provide a service that caters for all the community it serves.

The station’s broadcasting director, Martin Holland, said: “We hope to be the most diverse and micro-local radio station on the dial. We promised the broadcasting regular, Ofcom, we would provide programme content for everyone in our area.

“So, whether you're 15 or 95, we'll aim to have a rich mix of programmes – everything from poetry to dubstep, to ensure that will entertain and reflect one of the most beautiful parts of the country.”

Further information can be found at www.penwithradio.co.uk or at www.facebook.com/penwithradio