A woman who found her voice after years of fighting shyness has vowed to speak up for women all over the world.

Vanessa Carter will be broadcasting Roar Radio from her home near Shrublands Way in Gorleston from Monday. The 44-year-old mum of one was inspired to set up her own station after having a show on Great Yarmouth’s Harbour radio station and doing some work for Coastal.

While her career as a DJ has arrived quickly, it took a long time for Vanessa to find her voice.

“I was always very shy,” she said. “After my dad died at 19 I appreciated every minute of my life and I saw the world through new eyes.

“Over the years I’ve started saying more, speaking out more because most of my life I’ve been restricted in some way or another for saying how I feel about things, or I’ve been put down for having an opinion. I suddenly noticed how much braver I was becoming, I was a little outspoken. “What developed after a lot of arguments, bullying and sexism were loads of opportunities. I started having a say and I was sticking up for women worldwide through social media.”

Buoyed by the response, Vanessa took the plunge and founded Roar.

“I am nervous but excited,” she said.

The internet station will start at 5pm on Monday and broadcast afternoon and evening shows on weekdays and from noon-6pm on weekends.

Vanessa, who previously wrote books on alternative therapies for Amazon, hopes it will be a platform for all kinds of issues, including politics and health, as well as good music. It will feature live shows, prerecorded features and there will also be podcasts to download.

For more information and to tune in, visit www.roarradio.co.uk.