VOLUNTEERS preparing to run a community radio station in a rural area have secured a grant that will enable them to sign on a full-time manager.

A donation of £16,000 has been given to Radio Teesdale, based in Barnard Castle, to match a similar sum it was awarded some weeks ago.

The new sum came from the North Pennines Leader Plus scheme, while the earlier one was from Ofcom.

It is a major boost for the station, which was successful in a trial run and now intends to go on air every day from April.

Trevor Honeyman, a local businessman and chairman of the project, said: "Station manager is a key role for us. It is one of the few positions for which we will be able to employ someone. It will be the focus of our launch plans."

He said they are looking for a person with proven experience of small-scale local radio, and who understands the voluntary sector and community organisations.

A job description and other details of the post can be seen at www.radioteesdale.co.uk