AS of 8am today, Oxford’s first permanent community radio station has gone live on air.

OX105 FM – which until recently was known as OX4 FM – broadcast its first breakfast show from its home in Blackbird Leys.

It will now provide a daily mix of music, local news and discussion about Oxford, covering the Leys, Rose Hill, Cowley and surrounding areas.

Chairman Geno Humphrey spent the weekend putting the finishing touches to the new studio.

He said: “We’ve been very busy. But it’s all coming together now.”

The station first went live in a 10-day pilot in 2006, followed by two further one-off broadcasts.

Its supporters had hoped to start broadcasting full-time in 2009 after receiving a five-year licence from regulator Ofcom and a £13,000 grant from Oxford City Council.

However, negotiations over studio space at Blackbird Leys Community Centre took longer than expected.

Mr Humphrey said: “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re there now.

“And hopefully we’ll be here for a long time to come.”

The station is based in a room at the back of the community centre, which has been built over the past few months.

It is now complete with a studio and technical area, reception, kitchen area and bathroom.

A celebratory event was also planned for last night to thank all the volunteers who had given their time.

Mr Humphrey said: “This has been a real community effort. People have been in and helping to plaster and paint the building, and all our DJs have put in their own time to train.

“The name change from OX4 was because we are going to be relating to everyone in the community and so we wanted the name to reflect that.”

DJ Spex, also known as 27-year-old Adrian Prescott, from Blackbird Leys, took the first slot this morning.

* The station will be broadcast on 105.1FM and available online. For more information, visit ox4fm.com