Young volunteers launch radio station in London

Reach FM began broadcasting on 87.7FM on Saturday (8 May) and will stay on air until the end of the month.

Young people will present and produce programmes focusing on music, fashion, family and community issues.

The project has been made possible through a partnership between youth charities V and Catch22, and London radio station Choice FM. The organisations have been training the young volunteers for the past few months in radio production, editing, presenting, marketing and promotions.

Joyce Moseley, chief executive of Catch22, said the young people involved would benefit hugely from running their own radio station.

"Volunteering in projects like this gives them an opportunity to contribute to their communities, while gaining valuable work experience," she said. "Giving up their time to take part on positive activity like this is also an important step on the way towards employment."

Terry Ryall, chief executive of V, added: "We are delighted to be supporting Reach FM, giving young volunteers experience in radio production. The project demonstrates how volunteering in your local community can be really fun as well as enterprising. It's essential that young people get the opportunity to volunteer in areas that really inspire them."