AN ASPIRING radio host from the Isle of Wight is set to debut on the airwaves after winning a BBC competition.

Richard Buckley, 53, of Bembridge, was one of six winners selected from more than 500 hopefuls who auditioned for BBC Radio Solent's New Voices competition in late September.

His talents will be showcased during a one-hour slot on the Thursday, March 5, edition of the Early Late Show, which airs between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

Richard said: "I arrived at the studio in Southampton early in the morning, saw the hoardes of people queuing to try-out and thought 'where is the toilet? What am I doing? I'm a 53 year-old man.'

"Thankfully the nerves settled by the time they asked us to come into the studio in groups of six, where we performed a one-minute story for a panel of four judges.

"My story was about arriving on the Isle of Wight from Luton Town in 1979, and being the kid who liked soul, rap and disco music, surrounded by a motley crowd of punks, rockers and skinheads.

"To my delight I received four yeses from the panel. Now, as someone who loves radio, I get to fulfil a dream which will hopefully lead to a regular role as a DJ."

Richard's show on BBC Radio Solent will feature interviews with Island-based musicians Baggy Wrinkles Blues Band, and music director Andrew Woodford.

To listen go to bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_solent