A NEW community radio station for Furness is hitting the airwaves on Monday. 

CanDo FM, which was previously an internet radio station, has an FM licence from Ofcom and it is being officially launched at its Furness College base.

The not for profit station will use the frequency 106.3 FM and will start broadcasting from 1.06pm on Monday.

CanDo FM began in 2010 as an enterprise project with media tutor Jonny Williams. Mr Williams is the business development manager and is given time to support the station alongside his tutor role. Former volunteer Danny Leitch is the station manager.      

CanDo FM was only expected to reach nine Barrow borough communities, and have fair coverage in two others. But during the 28 days testing stage it was discovered that it reaches Millom, parts of Ulverston, as well as Morecambe, Lancaster, Blackpool and the Isle of Man.

Mr Leitch said: "We are very excited. It's a huge opportunity for the local area. The station is produced by the local community, for the local community, to give them a voice.

"It's a media we are under served on and it's an opportunity to give young people skills and experiences that will hopefully act as a springboard for them."

Mr Williams said: "This is a massively important project for the community, it really is filling a gap which is definitely there."

The media tutor said the project has given learners already involved in the scheme news skills and a great approach to learning.    

Anyone can be involved in the station and no previous training is needed as this is provided. College students, others students, members of the community and groups are all part of the station community.  

The schools involved so far as Furness Academy, Dowdales, Walney, St James CE Juniors and Ormsgill Nursery and Primary. Cumbria County Councillors for these areas have given donations totalling £2,388 from the Local Community Members  Scheme Grant to create remote station facilities at the schools. 

As part of the station set up articles produced by the North-West Evening Mail will form part of the radio content.  

Mr Williams said: "During the testing period people found the station by accident and it was hugely encouraging that people contacted us and sent us messages and even businesses have contacted us. It was completely unexpected and hugely positive.

CanDo FM uses the email address enquiries@candofm.com