LOCAL radio station Alpha 103.2 has been given the go-ahead to apply for a further eight-year licence to broadcast to Darlington, Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe.

The Radio Authority, which registers all commercial radio stations, announced last night that the only application it had received was from Alpha, the existing licence holder.

Because no other broadcasters had declared an interest before the deadline, Alpha's application will be fast-tracked.

Staff at the station are delighted at the news.

Managing director Joe Radcliffe said it represented the ultimate industry accolade.

He said: "This is recognition from the rest of the commercial radio business of what a good job we are doing.

"We are providing a first-class service and other broadcasters know they would not be able to convince the industry watchdog that they could do better.

"We have received fantastic support from local people, organisations and businesses, who all want us to stay on the air, and we will be passing their kind comments to the Radio Authority in London."

Official audience figures show that Alpha 103.2 now has more listeners than ever in Darlington, Sedgefield and Aycliffe, beating all other stations local, regional or national.

Mr Radcliffe said: "With over 44,000 listeners every week, interest from local companies is at an all-time high and we now have the opportunity to grow even bigger and better."