A COMMUNITY radio station is launching a new sister station to serve as a home for new music, and as a platform for those wanting to get into radio to showcase and develop their talent.

The Cat 107.9 FM is to launch Cat Xtra on September 1 as a destination for listeners to enjoy a mix of today's modern popular artists and music styles.

The new digital stream will also allocate a number of specialised hours to allow audiences to chill out, wind down, experience emerging and growing music styles, and relive some of the most nostalgic and influential pop music of the last 30 years.

The station will also serve as a training ground for young people aspiring to get into radio.

Working with Cheshire College South and West, learners will have the opportunity throughout the academic year to get hands on with producing, presenting, and the behind-the-scenes technical operation of the station.

They will gain first-hand experience and build skills that will give them an advantage in their next steps after college.

At launch the station will transition it's sound throughout the day to match the moods of morning, noon, and night.

From 6am daily, Cat Xtra will ease you into the day with fitting fresh sounds, easing up the tempo through the morning as you set yourself up for the day.

From 9am, Cat Xtra will enter into its full daytime playlist, playing new music and the biggest songs of the decade.

At 11am every day, it will go into throwback mode with an hour of the most nostalgic and influential pop music of the last 30 years.

At 12pm, listeners will be treated to an hour of acoustic hits from popular artists for a midday moment of calm and relaxation.

From 1pm, Xtra resumes the daytime playlist, giving listeners a chance to suggest and request tracks on the playlist via the website.

At 6pm, Cat Xtra will focus on playing this week's newest releases, giving listeners the lowdown on what's new and what's popular right now.

And at 9pm, Xtra switches into chill-out mode with a playlist of instrumental, chill-hop and acoustic vibes to wind down to and provide some calm into the early hours.

Aidan Goodwin, Station Manager for Cat Xtra, says: "Our goal is to offer something to everybody in the local area. We understand that music choice and tastes vary wildly from person to person.

"The Cat 107.9 has proven popularity with a large slice of our local demographic, but we appreciate that not one size fits all. We hope that this new service reflects the popular music landscape of the 21st century and engages a younger generation in the world of radio, in an era where streaming services are dominating.

"At The Cat, and now Cat Xtra, we believe there is still magic and enjoyment to be found in radio as we know it, whether it be the surprise of not knowing what track is coming up next or being introduced to something you wouldn't have heard anywhere else."

Cat Xtra will be available to listen to online at thisisthecat.com/xtra, via smart speakers, and via The Cat's mobile app available for iOS and Android.