A RADIO station that offers opportunities for young people has been honoured with an award from David Cameron.

Gateway 97.8, based in Basildon’s Eastgate Centre, received a Prime Minister’s Big Society Award.

The award recognises organisations that aim to enrich the lives of young people and tackle antisocial behaviour.

Mr Cameron praised the station for its service to the Basildon community. He said: “The training courses and work experience opportunities it offers to students and unemployed people help them gain valuable skills to gain employment.

“They have also provided valuable support for local charities, both through giving them time on air and by getting involved with activities like sleeping rough to raise money for local homeless charities.”

Gateway 97.8 is run entirely by volunteers and offered work experience to 200 schoolchildren in the past year.