A COMMUNITY radio station which has gained 13,000 listeners is celebrating its first birthday today.

CandoFM, which is based at Furness College’s Channelside campus, will mark the milestone with a party for its volunteers, local businesses and community groups.

The station now employs three staff with 20 volunteers who contribute to its mix of music, news, sport and information.

Danny Leitch, station manager, said: "When you look at the programmes we have done we have built something from the ground up and put it in a really good position.

READ MORE: Barrow radio team celebrating golden years

"It works because we have stories to share, detailed local content and know about the issues affecting this area and understand our community.

"We've had great support from the college and the community is getting behind us. People from all different backgrounds have got involved - from students here at Channelside and Rating Lane to young professionals, working parents and retirees.

"Our volunteers have a real passion for the community and pride in the local area."

CandoFM, which has an Ofcom licence to broadcast on 106.3FM and online, has supported the Future Leaders event, set up by MP John Woodcock, and is now running a radio station at Furness Academy alongside working with schoolchildren at Dowdales, Ormsgill Primary, St James’s School and Walney Junior School and Walney School.

It also supported the Barrow Christmas Lights switch on party by broadcasting the live from the event.

Nick Emerson, the station's news sustainability and business development coordinator, said: "We are a community radio station and we knew it’s what the people wanted so we helped to make sure the Christmas switch on was a memorable one."

READ MORE: New Barrow radio station set to hit the airwaves

The station, which began as an enterprise project with media tutor Jonny Williams, still needs volunteers.

Full training is provided so you can get involved whether you have previous radio experience or not.

For more information, or to attend the event, please email Danny Leitch on Danny.Leitch@furness.ac.uk or Nick Emerson on Nick.Emerson@furness.ac.uk.