This article was published in 2010.

Yorkshire radio station Ridings FM is extending its work to support up-and-coming musicians in the local area.

Ridings FM broadcasts on 106.8 FM and was launched in 1999. The station covers Wakefield and the surrounding area, including Castleford, Pontefract, Featherstone, Normanton and Knottingley.

Alongside its local news, travel updates, and entertainment services, it has for several years now run a Local Music Update on Thursday evenings, hosted by Andy Philpott, featuring a gig guide and song by an unsigned band or artist from the area.

However, the slot - 9.45pm on a Thursday night - has proved troublesome for some music fans, as they'd often be out at a gig or otherwise busy.

But new technology has provided the solution. The weekly update is now streamed on the Ridings FM website as a podcast, updated every weekend.

It still has the gig guide for the forthcoming week, and still has a fresh unheard song in every edition, but the podcast format allows listeners to download and hear it in their own time, not restricted to a particular time on a Thursday night.

Ridings FM Programme Manager James Marriott said: "We're committed to supporting the local music and helping new talent come through, and this is the next step in that.

"On-air, Andy will be popping up during the week with details of what's in the podcast, which listeners can then download at their leisure.

"We're always looking at how we can play a greater role in our community and this seemed like an excellent step forward."

To download the podcast, just go to www.ridingsfm.co.uk and then click on Local Music Update on the Music drop down menu.

Any solo artists, duos or bands who would like to be featured on the Local Music Update should send material and information to:

Andy Philpott, Local Music Update
106.8 Ridings FM
Unit 7 Network Centre
Zenith Park
Whaley Road
Barnsley
S75 1HT

Alternatively, you can e-mail andy [ at ] themusiccollective.co.uk.