PUPILS at a Darwen primary school are in training to become the next generation of radio stars.

During the World Cup, 11-year-olds Blake Quinn and Andrew O’Brien from Avondale Primary in Durham Road, will be among those competing with the likes of John Motson by broadcasting their own thoughts on the action.

Thanks to £8,000 funding from a central Government fund, pupils from all years are able to enjoy a new broadcast production suite consisting of professional mixing and recording equipment.

Teacher Jonathan Berry is the man behind the scheme.

He said: “My degree was in broadcast journalism, and although I’ve taken a different path, I’ve always retained a fondness for it.

“It really helps the kid’s speech and communication skills and it’s much less intimidating than standing in front of a class and giving a presentation.

“We’ve also found that when we broadcast the songs across the playground it has a huge impact on behaviour. Kids want to dance and listen to what’s being played.”

Radio Avondale plays the children’s favourite CDs on outdoor speakers and on the school’s website, so that parents and teachers have access to what’s going on.

It is the first of its kind in primary schools in the town and plans are in place to expand the service so that children can produce their own talk shows and also report on school sporting events with hand-held recorders.

Lorin Milligan, 11, said: “We feel very lucky to have this in our school, the equipment is very professional.”