A new radio station based in Morden is appealing to the public to help it raise funds to build studios.

Former pirate station, Flex FM was awarded a community radio licence by OFCOM in May, and is hoping to relaunch in January as an "edgy and energetic" community radio station with "a proud social conscience."

The Flex FM team are hoping to build studios from scratch which can eventually become a training centre for young sound engineers and broadcast journalists of the future.

CEO Carl Shepherd said: "There have only been two other radio stations that have transitioned from a 'pirate' station to a licenced radio station within the last 27 years within London so we are delighted.

"We'll be the most influential station in South West London. FLEX FM will be an upbeat, music-intensive radio station driven by a passion for the dance and urban music scene.

"It will be energetic and 'edgy' but community-focused with a proud social conscience.

He added: "Flex FM offers a unique learning environment characterised by an 'open door' policy, informal atmosphere, participatory ethos and commitment to equal opportunities.

"We embrace 'hard-to-reach' groups who have been previously under-served, whilst allowing grass roots training to still be at the heart of what we deliver.”

Flex FM was established as a pirate station in 1992 and the founding partners have a combined radio broadcast experience of over 80 years.

It is currently run by a small group of volunteers and already works closely with South Thames College.

The station is hoping to raise £10,000 in eight weeks via its crowdfunding page and will be running a special live broadcast - a ‘FLEXATHON’ - on December 10 with a host of DJ’s and MC’s that will be live on social media outlets.

If you can donate to the station's appeal please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/flex-fm-radio