A GROUP of young online broadcasters will launch workshops for young people in Southend after winning a £50,000 grant in a competition.

Funky SX, a volunteer-run internet radio station and academy, was awarded the lottery grant through ITV’s the People’s Millions, a nationwide competition which hands out cash to community projects that inspire people and improve the neighbourhood.

The new academy workshops will allow young people to learn various skills, including DJing, rapping, music production, and radio and podcast broadcasting, while teaching valuable life skills.

Hugh Davies, from Funky SX, said: “This grant will enable us to launch our volunteer run DJ/MC and music production Academy workshops for the young and underprivileged youth of the area and help us launch a youth-led urban and dance music radio station, Funky FM, onto the airwaves of Essex.

“From all the team we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for us and all our supporters on social media including Essex Police, celebrities from the music scene, and local politicians.

“Watch out for the launch of our volunteer-run Funky Academy workshops at various schools and youth clubs in the area, and for the latest updates and registration forms please go to our website.”

Pupils from Westborough Primary School, in Westcliff, recently had the opportunity to sample an academy session hosted by Funky SX.

The group hopes to host workshops in other schools and youth clubs across the borough to give young people the chance to have their music heard and give them the opportunity to learn how to use professional equipment.