PUPILS at a school in Barnoldswick have been receiving tips on radio broadcasting after announcing they are creating their very own school radio station.

Nine youngsters from West Craven High Technology College will go on-air for three days in December in a similar project to those already successfully tried out by pupils at Ivy Bank High School in Burnley and Darwen Vale High School.

West Craven Radio will broadcast on the FM waveband between December 9 and 11 and training has got under way to prepare the students for their radio stardom.

A team of backroom helpers will also be involved collating information and offering general administration help.

The temporary station will broadcast a mixture of music, news and information throughout a five kilometre radius of the college studio, where equipment will be provided by David Blaxhall who offers training in radio skills to local schools.

He also prepared the pupils in Burnley and Darwen.

David said: "Allowing students to take to the radio is an exciting project for any school or college. We may have the radio stars of tomorrow here in Barnoldswick.

"By the end of the course they should be competent not just in operating the equipment but in projecting themselves and interviewing guests. It is good for their confidence building and literacy."

The group are training in three groups of three once a week.

Heading the project at the school is assistant head teacher Roy Barnes. He said: "The project encompasses many areas. Students are trained in the operation of studio equipment, the art of presentation, script reading and interviewing. In addition, those involved with the station will learn how to market West Craven Radio and design the station logo."

The station will know its on-air frequency on November 5 and will be broadcasting test transmissions throughout Sunday, December 9.

Studio guests will also be featured on the radio programmes which will run from 8am-6pm.

Headteacher at West Craven, Arnold Kuchartschuk, said: "West Craven High Technology College has always sought to bring new skills and challenges to our students. This project will provide another opportunity for our pupils to be involved with the local community."