Schools can win £1k as kids star on the radio

Erewash Borough Council has thrown its collective weight behind a competition in which budding broadcasters aged between 9 and 11 can win up to £1,000 for Erewash and Derby City-based schools – and seize the chance to become local radio stars.

A contest launched by Erewash Sound is inviting teachers to get youngsters to submit ideas for their own show talking about a hot topic for kids...food.

The ten best proposals will get a “Studio in a Box” school visit from radio station experts so that a full 15-minute show can be made.

Listeners across the borough will vote for their favourite when the ten shows are broadcast in the New Year. The top prize is £1,000 – while primary schools can also win £500 for Best Idea and £500 for Best Performance.

The first step to entering is to get children to outline their ideas in a three-minute voice note or video, which will need to be submitted.

Jeff Martin, manager of the popular Cotmanhay-based local radio station, said: “Topics could include healthy eating, favourite treats and recipes – anything to do with food. Children in Years Five and Six will need to describe how they will want their full 15-minute show to work but are invited to let their imaginations run riot.”

Richard Ledger, whose Draycott-based food machinery firm Millitec is sponsoring the competition, said: “This is a great chance for kids to have fun, learn new skills, and actually get broadcast on the airwaves. We’re all really looking forward to hearing their ideas and working with these talented kids to get the programmes made.”

Erewash Borough Council leader Councillor James Dawson said: “Erewash Sound is increasingly becoming a must-listen for local people thanks to the fantastic work it does in our borough. We are sure this competition will appeal to many local youngsters – and we look forward to listening to the shows they come up with.”

The deadline for entries is Friday 6th December. Winners will be announced on 31st March. 

Details, including a form, can be found at www.mediastarz.co.uk.  For more info email contact @ mediastarz.co.uk or call 01332 320400.