Former Rutland Radio presenter Rob Persani has been appointed to lead a new project looking at whether it is feasible to establish a community radio station for Rutland.

Rutland County Council confirmed on Friday (28 Aug) that it would be launching the new project following a rebranding of the county's existing local radio station, which includes a move towards more nationally-focused content.

Rob has spent more than two decades working in the radio industry and will oversee the project to establish if a community radio station could be set up and sustained locally.

Speaking about his appointment, Rob said: "It's already evident that there's lots of support for a radio station that focuses solely on the local community.

"I'm proud to have helped do that here in Rutland over the past 21 years or so.

"As the county's existing radio station heads in a new direction, I'm excited to get underway with this project and find out what is possible."

Council Leader Oliver Hemsley said: "A great many people feel very strongly about the important role that local radio can have in representing communities and keeping them informed.

"I've received lots of enquiries from people expressing an interest and wanting to help since we announced we would be looking at the viability of a community-focused station for Rutland.

"To help with this project, we are fortunate to be able to draw on Rob's extensive experience – not just of the radio industry but also Rutland, as a county."

A framework and timings for the project are still being finalised.

Rutland County Council will provide updates as work begins and more information becomes available.