LLANDUDNO Junction based crest Cooperative has launched a radio station.

The internet based radio station supports individuals with learning disabilities.

Crest Cooperative is a social enterprise which aims to unlock people’s potential through inclusion, innovation and enterprise, for the benefit of the community. The radio station aims to support individuals with learning disabilities.

Janet Finch-Saunders, AM for Aberconwy, and Robin Millar, MP for Aberconwy, launched the radio station. Janet said: “Crest has been championing individuals across our community for over two decades. This radio station is another feather to their bow, and I am extremely proud that people globally will be able to tune in to the new shows.

"The organisation is fostering local talent, and giving individuals a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills. It was inspirational to see the passion of all participants, and truly it is an honour to have helped see Crest start surfing on its radio wave”.

Rod Williams, Manager of Crest Cooperative said: “Crest has been championing individuals across our community for over two decades.

“The reason I set it up was because we have a number of individuals who have learning and physical disabilities and I wanted to provide additional activities for them, to learn new skills and improve their confidence.

Rod added: “I also want to attract new clients and volunteers to use our services which include giving retail experience, warehouse experience, woodwork shops and soon we’ll have a small horticultural nursery. The volunteers and supporters will be supplying the management of the radio station. One of our volunteers has worked as a presenter with Colwyn Bay FM and Tudno FM. He will train our volunteers.

We will grow our own presenters and I hope to link up and work with colleges media studies courses.

“Our investment in the radio station is paid for by the profits we make from our retailing. We will carry good news stories. We want to encourage local businesses to sponsor us and to buy advertisements with us.

“It will be on air for three hours between 10.30 and 1.30 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and we plan to start broadcasting in February.

“Chris Williams, our presenter will be the first person to speak on air. We will be playing a lot of music.”