Radio Maria England has expanded its broadcasting to the areas of Stockport, Greater Manchester, and Tameside.

As the station grows into more parts of the country, a public blessing of the new antenna was held at the Hyde Cricket and Squash Club .

Radio Maria already broadcasts to London, Cambridge, South Birmingham and Bristol, and these new areas will add another potential 500,000 listeners from towns including Davenport, Cheadle and areas of Cheshire.

The blessing ceremony was led by Fr Sean Davidson, parish priest of St Joseph’s Church, Stockport, who also led the Rosary prayer and blessed the antenna.

The event was also attended by the presence of Canon Michael Gannon, Vicar General and parish priest of Our Lady and St Christopher’s Church, who blessed all those present.

President of Radio Mari Dr Charles Wilson said: ‘We’re delighted to bring our unique flavour of radio to Stockport, Greater Manchester, Tameside and surrounding towns.

“It was a privilege to be at the public blessing. Just as we say grace before we eat, it seemed fitting to bless the antenna that is sending the word that will now feed the Stockport and South Manchester population.’

Radio Maria’s schedule includes daily church services, prayers with callers, Questions of Faith, Jesus Take The Wheel, Journey Through Scripture and more. Full details at radiomariaengland.uk

The small-scale DAB+ multiplex is owned by Stockport Community SSDAB Limited – and has two transmitter sites to cover the areas.

Pam Stratton, Director of Stockport SSDAB, said: ‘We are delighted to have Radio Maria on our multiplex and we are confident that thousands of people will enjoy listening to their wide range of broadcasting material.”

Radio Maria’s Operations Manager, Pierre Petrou, added: “These are exciting times for broadcasting and indeed Radio Maria as we look to rapidly expand our broadcasting areas to more towns and villages in the coming months.

“It is a pleasure to broadcast to such fantastic areas, enabling us to give listeners the chance to enjoy a Christian voice by their side. We are excited to bring our message of hope and faith to even more people.”