Digital 'radio amnesty' launched

Digital radio sets are becoming more popular

The BBC is calling for listeners to hand in their FM radios in return for a 10% discount on digital sets.

The radios will be reconditioned and sent to Somalia and Sudan where they will be distributed to families.

Presenter Nick Knowles will launch the three-week long amnesty on Radio Five Live on 6 July.

"A disused radio, gathering dust in a spare room, could end up making a real difference," he said. Listeners can call 08700 100 500 for more details.

Selected retailers will accept battery-powered FM/AM radios until 26 July, but not hi-fi separates or mains only sets.

Every radio that is traded in will help the educational projects the BBC World Service Trust runs in Africa.

Its initiative in Somalia offers education to men and women who have grown up during the civil war with no chance of schooling. Many Somalis learn by listening to educational programmes on the BBC's Somali service.

The trust hopes to extend the scheme for audiences in southern Sudan.