An army of fans is mobilising to keep Radio Oxford's popular Bill Rennells on air.

The brigade to keep Bill broadcasting swung into action at the news that he faces the axe from his weeknight slot.

Dedicated listeners are still reeling with shock at his announcement last week that his contract won't be renewed.

And although he will keep his Sunday night spot and take on a late night show on Saturdays, they can't face the thought of getting through the week without him.

Ann Flippance, 64, of Lea Park, Thame, who founded the Bill Rennells Appreciation Society, said: "It was a bolt from the blue. We are all shocked, but we are determined to fight for him.

"We are writing to BBC officials and anyone else we can think of to try to help him.

"Bill is a lovely, gentle man who does so much for charity. His evening programmes are a constant delight," she said.

Bill, who lives in Abingdon and has been with the radio station for 30 years, said: "I was asked a direct question on my show about my contract and I simply told the truth, that it will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the year.

"I have no other comment I want to make. These wonderful people are really doing the talking for me."

Keeping Bill on air is a battle Mrs Flippance, who suffers from Parkinsons Disease, has fought and won before.

In 1997 she was among supporters who helped Bill win a reprieve when the BBC, then called Thames Valley FM, threatened to cut his show.

Mrs Flippance is a leading light among the Night Owls a group of the show's regular listeners who often meet up.

"Bill is known all over the region and we have meetings in Oxford, Canterbury and Guildford. Last week in the awful weather we even met at Beachy Head!" she said. I am sure the BBC does not realise either the importance or the popularity of his show.

"We are determined to let them know in no uncertain terms. Since he announced the possibility of his contract not being renewed I have had an enormous number of phone calls from his fans, many of them in tears.

"We are determined to fight for this very fine man."

BBC Radio Oxford Managing Editor Phil Ashworth said: "One of the strengths of the radio station is that people regard presenters as parts of their family. So when changes are made it is quite natural, and expected, that people will feel very strongly.

"Bill's late night programme goes out across the whole of the south and it is not just taking into account the Oxford audience.

"Bill is not leaving Radio Oxford. He will be hosting a Harmony show on Sunday nights and a new programme on Saturday nights between ten and one.

"He is popular amongst his regular listeners and we hope that by making changes we will be able to attract new and different listeners as well."