THE disastrous floods that decimated two villages five years ago have inspired one resident to take to the air.

Ben Wood, 57, of Welley Road, Wraysbury, said: "I was amazed by the way everyone pulled together during the floods. People helped each other across Datchet, Wraysbury and Old Windsor.

"But what we needed was a communication channel."

It gave him an idea and after retiring from his job as a project manager for British Gas he teamed up with three other villagers to create a new radio station that would serve the six villages of Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury, Colnbrook, Poyle and Old Windsor.

Swan-Radio is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with four unpaid directors: Mr Wood, Lynn Holden, Sue Britton and Mark Foster.

Swan Radio launched on Saturday at its studio in Wraysbury Village Hall - guests included the parish council chairman Cllr Margaret Lenton and her husband former Royal Borough Mayor John Lenton, along with business owners and supporters.

The station operates from Wraysbury Village Hall and can be accessed via social media.

Mr Wood and his wife Claire have lived in Wraysbury since 2003 and have five children - he is also a grandfather.

He says the radio station will operate on a 24/7 basis with a team of 24 volunteers keeping things going.

He said: "We will plan the schedule to make sure we provide the information and entertainment that people really want and which promotes community spirit. We have already included some local schools with their Christmas slots of singing carols and sending messages of what the festive time of year means to them.

"Ideas so far include local traffic news, upcoming events, live feeds from sports games, virtual 'village walks', gardening tips, local history, pets corner, health and wellbeing, competitions, recognising local achievements with Swan and Cygnet badges and of course great music. We will also help with urgent requests and be a central point of information during emergencies."

Mr Wood hopes to see the number of volunteers increase to 150.

He said: "We are hoping for a lottery grant that will let up set up a second studio where we can train people who would like to become involved."

You can contact the station on studio@swan-radio.co.uk