AN ASPIRING radio DJ from Ringwood has become the youngest ever presenter on Hope FM.

Finn Rowden, 12, achieved the extraordinary feat when he took over the Generation Y programme on the popular community radio station on Saturday.

The Ringwood School pupil, who is currently in year eight, was given the opportunity after a chance meeting with Hope FM’s station manager Kevin Potter during an outside broadcast at the Ringwood Family Festival earlier this year.

Being a radio DJ has been the youngster’s dream since he was six and he has more recently been inspired by his love of music and technology – something which clearly made a positive impression on Kevin. Finn said he is excited by his new role.

“I get a bit nervous but I really enjoy it as well,” he added.

“The show is all about youth in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch – we will be exploring the things that are happening there.”

Kevin, pictured inset above, said he thinks Finn has what it takes to make it to the very top.

“From the outset I was impressed by Finn’s enthusiasm as well as his grasp of all things radio,” he added.

“After just a few practical lessons he had the technical stuff under his belt and was showing all the signs of a potentially brilliant radio presenter.”

Finn was invited onto a presenters’ training course at the station and his dreams of becoming a real broadcaster came true when the presenter of a youth programme on the station left to attend university – with Finn promptly parachuted in as the replacement anchor.