YOUNGSTERS hoping to be the next Mark Radcliffe or Sara Cox have been learning about how to become a radio DJ at a Bolton shoping centre.

Crompton Place held an exhibition exploring the history of radio and families were able to learn about how radio it works and how it has been developed into such a vital form of communication.

One aspiring broadcaster, with her own dreams of radio stardom, is Sosia Cardillo.

The 10-year-old already has her own show on Bolton FM with mum Caroline and younger sister Lucia.

The youngster, from Heaton, said: “It’s been a really good event. We’ve looked round all the shows and learned about who invented the radio.

“Then we interviewed the fire brigade who are here and the people doing the acting and it will all be part of our show.

“We started doing it about four months ago now. My mum works in marketing at Bolton FM and we used to end up going in to work with her in the holidays.

“When we noticed that there were no children’s shows or shows done by kids we thought we’d try to make one.

"We needed some adults too so they can work the buttons so it’s a family show rather than just a children’s thing.

“It’s on every week and a lot of people listen to it. I definitely want to be a radio DJ when I’m older.”

One story retold at the event was that of Captain Arthur Rostron who heard the first ever emergency radio signal broadcast from HMS Titanic as she sank in 1912.

He had been sailing the HMS Carpathia across the Atlantic when he received the message and doing so allowed him to rush to the ship’s aid and rescue 710 passengers.

Crompton Place centre manager Paula Wood said: “The links between Bolton and radio are really special and something our young people should be proud of.

“The interactive displays and activities were entertaining as well as educational for our young shoppers and their families, and we’re delighted so many people came to enjoy this free half term event.”

Also at the event was community radio station Bolton FM, whose presenters broadcast live from Crompton Place throughout the two-day event.

The station, which broadcasts on 96.5 FM was showcasing its portable studio, which is being used to provide media skills training in local schools and community organisations.