RADIO enthusiasts are busy preparing for the launch of a community station in Bolton.

Roots FM will be on air for 10 days over the Easter period. Shows will begin at 7am each day, starting from Monday.

Comedian Ken Dodd has recorded a rare interview for the station, which is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Broadcasts will focus on the heritage and people of Bolton.

Other highlights will include an interview with BBC news presenter Stuart Flinders, who went to Thornleigh School.

Diversity in Barrier-Breaking Communications (DBBC), based in Bolton Ashburner Street Market, is the company behind the new station.

DBBC owners, Alan and Dorothy Martland, have given radio training to more than 20 students from local secondary schools, who will be presenting the shows.

Alan said: "We want to have a full-time community radio station here in the town and this is a fantastic start."

Listeners can tune into the station on 87.9FM or online at www.rootsfm.org.uk. Shows will include a full range of music, from the 1950s to the current hits.