Bemerton Heath children get a taste of what it would be like to work in radio at the Radio Bemerton studio.BEMERTON Heath residents have brought their unique brand of news, views and music to the airwaves around Salisbury, with their very own radio station.

Radio Bemerton started broadcasting on 106.3FM at 10am on Monday for 28 days, after its official launch by Patrick Paisey, chairman of Salisbury district council.

Billed as a project for local people, the station aims to encourage learning in the area and a greater sense of community identity.

It also promises to provide a mix of topical conversation and popular music.

In addition, organisers are running a competition called 'Crack the Code', giving listeners the chance to enter a grand prize draw.

Radio Bemerton is being run by a team of dedicated volunteers, all with close ties to the local area and different backgrounds.

They also cover a wide range of ages, with 12-year-old Darren Pilton the youngest member.

He is presenting a regular Sunday afternoon slot.

Project co-ordinator Rob Maybury said: "One of the main objectives of the station was to give the opportunity for local residents to play an active role.

"Over the past few months, we have trained more than 20 local volunteers in broadcasting and production techniques.

"Their newly found skills will be used throughout the broadcast, which we hope will prove an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both our presenters and listeners."

As the station has only been granted a temporary licence, Radio Bemerton will cease broadcasting on July 11.

However, Mr Maybury is confident their month-long stint will prove successful.

"We have worked tirelessly over the past six months to prepare for the launch of the station, and the hard work of everybody involved will, I'm certain, pay off," he said.