PRESTON is to go 'on air' as the city's first community radio station prepares to broadcast local news and music to residents early next year.

Unity FM, an independent station, has secured half the funding it needs to go live into living rooms and offices across the city from January for 18 months.

Founded by Paul Jenkins, the station which looks set to be based in the Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, aims to inform and involve local people and provide up-to-date information on developments and regeneration.

And staff at Unity FM will be looking to train people about the media offering everything from small non-accredited courses to more formal qualifications.

Mr Jenkins said: "We are very excited about this. Everyday people can have a voice and it's a recognition of Preston's city status.

"We aim to look at developments in the community and take out the jargon and deliver the news in a straight forward way for the people.

"We will be involving community groups and asking them to play a part in the station and have their say on their concerns, interests and social issues as well as providing training for them."

Mr Jenkins said that they hope to be broadcasting 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the near future, depending on further funding.

The project is aimed at the Avenham, Brookfield, Central, Deepdale, Fishwick, Ribbleton, Riversway and St Matthews wards, but will be received as far as South Ribble.

"It is a way of including people in what's going on," said Mr Jenkins. "We can help people learn how to run the radio station and they can develop skills as well as showcasing their talents.

"It is about celebrating Proud Preston and embracing its diversity."

Unity FM has been heard on the airwaves, but only on two occasions with their maiden broadcast in June 2002 and then again in August this year.

Working in partnership with different agencies, including Preston City Council, Mr Jenkins now believes that Unity FM will be heard throughout the city on a full-time basis.

And they are looking at taking on staff in the coming weeks.