A community radio station is asking local people for donations to keep it up and running.

Penwith Community Radio Station, trading as Coast FM, which has been on air since 2014, is a not-for-profit community interest company, run by volunteers for the local community across west Cornwall.

It has an uncertain future according to chairman Alan Shepherd.

He said: “Right now, we’re struggling. We’re a community radio station operating in a harsh commercial world, and a cruel economy is hitting us hard. Without urgent support, we could go off air.

“We’re appealing to the community to help stop that from happening by supporting our crowdfunding campaign. We’re determined to keep Coast FM alive.

“We run the station for the benefit of the people of West Cornwall and don’t pay shareholders or volunteers. While our excellent team put their heart into everything they do, we desperately need to invest in new equipment. This appeal is key to our survival.”

Coast FM broadcasts on 96.5 FM and 97.2 FM, as well as online and via an app 24/7.

Director and volunteer manager, Dave Pascoe, said: “We want to invest in better equipment to bring the station up-to-date and to protect it for our community, now and long into the future. Community radio is vital in giving information, advice, entertainment and a sense of connection to listeners.

“I’m proud of our track record in supporting people of all ages and backgrounds with the training they need to develop careers in radio and audio.

“With the cost of our licences, rent, electricity, and ongoing maintenance of our transmitters and equipment rising, we need to reach out so we can continue to support, and speak for and to the people of Penwith.”

The Coast FM GoFundMe page can be found at: www.gofundme.com/save-coast-fm