YOUNG people in Great Yarmouth are taking to the airwaves thanks to government funding aimed at introducing 12 to 19-year-olds to the world of broadcasting.

YOUNG people in Great Yarmouth are taking to the airwaves thanks to government funding aimed at introducing 12 to 19-year-olds to the world of broadcasting.

The borough council has gained a grant of £40,000 from Media Box, a government funded programme which will give 100 young people from deprived areas the chance to take part in two radio projects.

The youngsters will team-up with broadcast professionals in projects involving Seachange Arts, community radio station GYFM, Norwich based community organisations NR5 Project and Future Radio.

Young people have been working at GYFM, based in Victoria Arcade, since last Monday and will do so until November 3, when the stations current licence expires. Participants will have the chance to profile local people, their interests, issues which affect them and champion positive activities.

Elli Chapman, youth arts manager at the NR5 Project, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people and we are also looking for local musicians and bands to send their music for the station to play.”

The second project will involve taking part in the Out There Festival at the end of October, when artists from all over the world will be performing in Yarmouth.

Young people will be producing still images and videos which will be projected onto buildings including the Town Hall.

Elli said: “It is hoped GYFM will gain a fulltime licence, in which case a key group of young people will remain involved as young broadcasters.”