Katie Trinder, a founder presenter at Mansfield 103.2, is to return in the new year as part of the station’s major expansion plans.

Katie will be back at 103.2 from January and will again take on the role of breakfast show presenter.

The move is part of plans to raise the profile of the station in 2016, with an increased focus on local news, events and community issues.

Programme director Ian Watkins said: “With an exciting new year coming up for Mansfield 103.2, it’s now time for me to hand the breakfast baton on to someone else after five and half years of early ups.

“I know Katie will do an excellent job and I’m really looking forward to working with her again. I’m also excited to be focusing on the station’s new development plans in my management role.’

Mansfield 103.2’s Managing Director Tony Delahunty said of the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Katie back as she fits perfectly into our plans to significantly expand our coverage.

“An experienced presenter was needed to allow Programme Director Ian Watkins to concentrate on what is going to be a big year for Mansfield 103.2. Katie being available and keen to come back to where she started her career completes a very strong line up of presenters.

“Ian’s role will include the production of a number of special outside broadcasts which will be announced in the New Year.

“Our Outside Broadcast Division is also being expanded and Matt Freeman will have a major role in that side of the operation. This will massively increase our visual presence throughout our broadcast area.

“Several other appointments will be announced in the near future.”

Katie who helped launch the station in 1999, has since worked for the BBC, BFBS and Lincs FM.

For the past three years she has been focusing on her own business LuKas at Work, which helps companies with their social media marketing, and says she can’t wait to get behind the mic.

“I’m really excited about coming back to host the Mansfield 103.2 breakfast show and working with Tony and Ian again,” Katie said.

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I left the station and in that time I’ve been really lucky to work with some great people all over the world, but you know what they say, you can take the girl out of Kirkby, but you can’t take Kirkby out the girl.

“Mansfield 103.2 has always held a special place in my heart and I have so many happy memories of working there and the stuff we achieved I can’t wait to get going again.”

Katie will return to the Mansfield 103.2 Breakfast Show on January 4th.