A FORMER soldier is preparing to launch a community radio station in Abingdon from a log cabin in his back garden.

Mark Holland, 37, of Andersey Way, is looking for volunteers and sponsors to get the Abingdon Xtra project on the air for his target launch date of January 27.

The father-of-three wants to broadcast town news, sport and music from local bands, via the internet station.

He hopes to pick up more than 500 listeners in the venture, which will cost about £1,200 a year to run.

Mr Holland said: “I think community is important and I’m a big fan of technology and music, so for me this is not just fulfilling an ambition but allowing me to use my skills to provide a service to the community.”

Mr Holland was based at Dalton Barracks for most of the 14 years he spent in the Army. He now runs a web design firm and coaches and plays at Abingdon Rugby Club.

The former corporal left the Army in 2005 after serving in Iraq, Ireland and Bosnia.

He has a wife, Stephanie, 34, and four children.

He is having a log cabin built in his garden to house the studio equipment. He said the station would be cheap to run, but its success would rely on the community to get behind the scheme.

He added: “The technology is there and possibilities are there, it is just having the people willing to help.”

At first he is looking to run five shows a week which will each require a broadcaster and a producer.

Slots will include a live sports results show on Saturday, local debates, and a music show with gig guides, reviews and music from Abingdon bands and artists.

There could also be a local events section and interviews with community figures.

Mr Holland added: “It’s a great way to debate local issues and allow the locals of Abingdon and surrounding villages to voice their concerns about what is going on around them.”

When programmes are not running the station will broadcast music from local bands.

Abingdon Town Council leader Sandy Lovatt said the council wanted the community to get more involved with town events and the radio scheme could help.

He added: “I hope the community gets behind it and uses it because it will make Abingdon thrive and hum.”

  • For details about the station visit abingdonxtra.co.uk