Swaffham youngsters hit the airwaves

YOUNGSTERS from Swaffham Hamonds High School are to be given the chance to hit the airwaves thanks to work experience at a local radio station.

YOUNGSTERS from Swaffham Hamonds High School are to be given the chance to hit the airwaves thanks to work experience at a local radio station.

Newly established Wayland Radio, based at nearby Ashill, has announced it will provide 12 work experience places every year as part of its New Voice project.

The project is aimed at children who are near exclusion or have withdrawn from normal schooling and hopes to encourage young people into broadcasting.

It will give young people an opportunity to work in a disciplined but exciting broadcasting environment.

David Hatherly, who has spearheaded the New Voice project, said: 'I have been trying to find a way to harness the passion for radio among young people and to provide them with encouragement and, importantly, access to the medium.'

Currently the station has more than 50 volunteers but it is always looking for more and the team hopes that young people will be keen to take part.

The places have been made possible thanks to a grant of �5,850 from the Breckland Partnership.

William Nunn, chairman of the Breckland Partnership said: 'This exciting venture will enable young people to experience a new way of learning and developing their skills.

'They can work towards becoming more active in the community, which will help build their confidence and open doors to training.'