A VOLUNTEER community radio station presenter has interviewed the singer of a top 20 band.

Radio Teesdale presenter Colin Robinson interviewed Paul Smith, lead singer with Newcastle-based band Maximo Park, for his indie and local music show, The Undercurrent.

Maximo Park has been described as a cross between Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes, and are one of the up-and-coming bands of 2005.

Initially, Mr Robinson said he was quite nervous because there was only a short time to record the interview.

He said: "In the end, I needn't have worried because Paul was really friendly and made some very interesting points about being a local band and the transition to world tours and top 20 hits."

Mr Robinson and his co-presenter, Kate Brown, also attended the band's gig in Leeds as VIP guests.

The pair also had the chance to interview the Kaiser Chiefs, but had to turn them down due to full-time work commitments.

Radio Teesdale hopes to be back on air later in the year following two successful month-long trials.

Anyone interested in getting involved can call (01833) 696750 or visit the website www.radioteesdale.co.uk

The interview with Paul Smith can be downloaded.