THE battle begins today for the right to set up Chester's own radio station ­- although the city may end up losing out to neighbouring Flintshire.

The Radio Authority today advertises a new small-scale independent local radio licence for a service which will be directed at either the city of Chester or the Flintshire areas around Mold and Buckley or Connah's Quay.

Kerry Curtis, press and information officer with the Radio Authority, said: 'As there is only one FM frequency identified as suitable for use for a small-scale local service in this part of the country, the authority has decided to give prospective applicants in both of these neighbouring locations an opportunity to apply.

'Only a single licence will be awarded, to whichever applicant provides the most convincing proposals for a service in its preferred location ­- Chester or South Flintshire.'

A number of groups have already thrown their hats into the ring to snap up the licence to broadcast a service on the FM waveband, starting with Chester FM which had a 'trial run' last year, based at the Chester Moat House Hotel.

The local business consortium ­- including Stuart Begbie, Bob Clough-Parker, John Nicholson, David Pickering, Ron Smith and Eddie White ­- behind Chester FM has declared itself 'confident of success'.

A bid will also be launched today by the newly formed Dee FM which could see the return of Chester broadcasting favourite Terry Underhill.

Dee FM is being set up by Radio Investments Ltd ­- part owned by the Guardian Media Group -­ which runs 26 stations throughout the UK.

Former Marcher Sound presenter Mr Underhill is fronting the bid with former Radio City DJ Dave Lincoln.

Meanwhile, rival group Deva FM Ltd has already made it clear they will be happy to serve either Chester or Flintshire.

Deva FM -­ founded by Chester resident Steve Maskrey and also including chartered accountant John McLintock and farmer Piers Dutton - has gained backing from the CN Group which operates stations in areas such as Morecambe, Belfast, Stratford and Coventry.

Another possible candidate is Chester Radio, which spent 12 days broadcasting last year on a short-term restricted licence.

Their first breakfast show was launched by Jeremy Dry.