MUSIC fan Johnmichael Quinlan is on the right wavelength - he is set up his own internet radio station.

His love of music led him to set up the 24/7 web-based station to give airtime to Bolton bands.

Now anyone with an internet connection can tune in and listen to the best of Bolton music.

The 22-year-old graduate, who has a degree in computing from Bolton University and a Masters in computer game technology from Liverpool John Moores University, founded the website, www.jaryth.co.uk, in August 2004.

Johnmichael set up his station so that the world could hear the music he and his friends had created.

As well as managing the website, which is currently running at a loss, Johnmichael spends his evenings working in Club Indigo, Pepper Alley and Fifteen in Bolton town centre - where, as a nifty juggler, he can be seen performing behind the bar.

He is aiming to use his computer skills to get a job as a games computer programmer.

Johnmichael said: "I like being able to play music from bands who I can see have potential. It's so important because other local stations don't play Bolton music and it's vital the local music scene gets its sound across."

More than 30 bands from Bolton and surrounding areas, feature on the website and Johnmichael hopes even more will be added to the playlist in the future.

He said: "Bolton has a very vibrant music scene. Every night somewhere will be playing live music and there's a huge variety."

Internet radio stations, particularly those created by individuals, are becoming increasingly popular with thousands set up worldwide.

And as broadband speeds become faster, it is becoming easier for people to stream their broadcasts live into homes. Many are now downloading radio shows on to portable MP3 players, a practice called Podcasting.

Johnmichael said: "This is very much a hobby. It actually loses money, but I think it's something Bolton really needs."

The internet radio site can be found at www.jaryth.co.uk