TAUNTON'S community radio station ToneFM has its first outside broadcast vehicle ahead of its busiest ever season.

Sir Terry the Traffic Van, named in honour of the late Sir Terry Wogan, will shortly hit the road as the station prepares to cover 30 events between June and December.

Sir Terry is a fully equipped, self powered digital mobile studio capable of instantly broadcasting live, or being used to drive the station's own live event PA system.

It has been supported by ToneFM’s partners, who assist in keeping the station on the air, enabling it to provide a truly local radio service.

After the vehicle had been acquired, its first stop was Perry & Prouse, who will be maintaining the vehicle, for a full service.

It then made its way over to Somerset Sign and Print, who undertook all of the branding works.

The installation of the digital audio equipment came through a grant from the former Somerset West and Taunton Council.

The final piece of the puzzle came from Taunton’s Vodafone store on Fore Street, who have provided connectivity to undertake live broadcasts.

Station director Patch Jobson said: "It’s been a long term ambition of ours to have a purpose built vehicle to undertake outside broadcasts and live events with, but for a voluntary organisation this is no small task.

"Luckily, because we have such amazing partners who are incredibly supportive of what we do, we have been able to make this plan a reality.

"Now we just need to get Sir Terry out on the road and enjoy a fantastic events season.

"Whilst the station does now have most of its events booked, Sir Terry The Traffic Van, can be requested, or hired for event attendances, and live broadcasts, alongside the stations event PA system and staging solutions."

For more information, email info@tonefm.co.uk or call 01823 286688.