A community radio station that gives students and volunteers the chance to take to the airwaves has been given a financial boost.

A community radio station that gives students and volunteers the chance to take to the airwaves has been given a financial boost.

Wayland Radio, in Ashill, broadcasts specialist programmes for young people, over 45s and migrant communities, all brought to life by the hard work of more than 50 volunteers.

Now staff at the station are celebrating being awarded a �24,000 grant from Breckland Council to further develop their facilities.

Station manager David Hatherly said: 'We launched the station on a shoestring last August, and it's already a valuable resource for local community groups and popular with our audience.

'The grant from Breckland Council will enable us to enhance our public information broadcasts, we will be working with other local agencies to ensure that their information is reaching our audiences more efficiently.

'That will make a big difference to us and help us to further develop the distinct service we are offering to the district. We're enormously grateful for the support the Council has offered us.'

The station broadcasts in and around Watton and Swaffham on 107.5fm and online at www.waylandraido.com. The whole of the studio complex is disabled friendly and fitted out with professional equipment.

Councillor Theresa Hewett, Breckland's executive member for communities, said: 'Community radio gives local people a real voice.

'Wayland Radio makes a great contribution to Breckland communities, because its strength lies in that it is run by local people, for local people, about local issues. This funding will help give community radio a much needed boost at this stage in its development.'