IN the early 1970s, Torbay had its own pirate radio station, but only briefly.

A series of news articles in late 1970s and early 1971, describe efforts by a group of students to transmit music from a cabin cruiser in Torbay using a 600ft wire attached to a balloon as an aerial.

In the spirit of Radio Caroline (pictured) — another off-shore pirate radio station — the students were keen to challenge the Post Office's grip on the airwaves.

As such broadcasting was illegal, the eight students involved declined to give their names to the press but were keen to publicise their stunt.

It planned to broadcast live shows with music provided by a local pop group.

"The emphasis will be on progressive music," remarked a spokesman, "And there will also be political comment."

And he invited the curious to tune in 'at a date to be announced'.

In January 1971, the team said the new station would be called Radio Deepwater and broadcasting began on February 8, 1971, on 220 metres medium wave.

But as far as we know, no one heard it.

That first day they were only on quarter power because they were using a borrowed transmitter and the music was taped. Hardly an auspicious start.

In our archives there is no further mention of it, but was that the end of the story?

Please write or email (contact above) if you can reveal more.