Would-be broadcasters are to be offered a helping hand to 'make their mark in front of the mic' under a fledging scheme proposed for the north east of Coventry.

Funds are being raised at special events and road shows to set up a community radio station to broadcast through Wood End, Bell Green and parts of Potters Green, Longford and Walsgrave.

Local residents will run the station and be responsible for writing its news bulletins and presenting music shows.

A steering group is in place and Government and National Lottery grants have been applied for.

CNE Radio is hoping to put in place courses to train local enthusiasts in broadcasting skills, community research skills, information technology, audio engineering and general media skills. The courses will be run in the Wood End and Bell Green areas.

An application has been made for a Restricted Service Licence and it is hoped CNE Radio will be on air by the year's end.

The radio project has been set up under the guidance of Coventry City Council's North East Area Co-ordination, which has offered expert advice on obtaining funding.

Raynee Skelsey, secretary to the steering group said:

"We think Coventry North East will be the first radio station in the city to be formed since Kix 96. We want to broadcast round the clock, but that will depend on the type of licence we are granted. We hope the courses will attract people aged from 12 to 24 who will then be able to staff the new radio station or perhaps go on to further courses."

Bill Malley, Area Co-ordinator for Coventry North East said:

"Coventry North East Radio will be a platform for local people to discuss and raise local issues and offers opportunities and challenges for young people in the district. It will also provide exciting opportunities for training and jobs.

"We were delighted to be involved with CNE Radio. We have considerable experience in obtaining grants and support and hopefully our assistance will be a small contribution to a successful launch."