A popular Crook pub DJ is appealing for help with his online radio project.

The Kings Head’s Chris Burns, 49, wants presenters and producers to pitch in with Wear Radio - an internet project for those who live in Wear Valley.

The station is aimed at young people but magazine shows and hours devoted to diverse music ranging from folk to disco are designed to appeal all ages.

Trial broadcasts are underway through a website but 24/7 programming kicks off next month (October).

Mr Burns, also president of the Bishop Auckland Licensed Traders’ Association, designed the project to promote pubs.

He said: "It started off as a spin-off from my DJ set but it has blown up into an opportunity for young people to get into radio.

"We originally started broadcasting in pubs to raise their profile but it has grown beyond all expectations.

"We have people offering to donate and people getting in touch asking us to give shout outs.

"We have 500 listeners on some of the shows even though it is in the very, very early stages."

Mr Burns hopes later to apply for a community radio licence from the media regulator Ofcom.

Based at Bishop Auckland’s South Church Enterprise Park, two people have been given jobs at the station and Mr Burns, the commercial manager, says more opportunities are in the pipeline. Son Shaun Burns is station controller and his work will contribute to his media studies degree at Teesside University.

Mr Burns said most shows will be aimed at those who are "18 to young at heart" but its internet home makes it more likely to attract youngsters.

He said most listeners discovered the station whilst browsing social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

"The internet affords vast, vast opportunities - people can listen to us on their I Phone," he said.

"Online is the way forward for radio."

To find out more visit: www.wear-radio.com or search for Wear Radio on Facebook or Twitter.