Bedroom launch for net TV station

The station is expected to launch in the summer

An internet "television" channel is being launched by locals in a former mill town in Greater Manchester.

The project is being set up in a back bedroom in Shaw by Jan and Jim Penhall, and aims to give a flavour of local life to a worldwide audience.

The couple said people no longer had time to stop and share their news and the station would fill that gap.

Shawlive internet channel will be launched in the summer, staffed by local volunteers.

'Bare bones equipment'

Mr and Mrs Penhall will operate the station on a limited budget, but said they had the backing of local businesses.

"We're operating with bare bones equipment, a home video camera, some computers and bits and bats of stuff we've collected over the years," said Jim Penhall.

FACTS ABOUT SHAW It is the home town of TV star Shobna Gulati, comic Bobby Ball and ex-United and Oldham Athletic player Andy Ritchie Over half a million loaves are made at Warburton's bakery in the town

The station's outside broadcast vehicle is Mr Penhall's Nissan Micra.

"We're just managing to limp around in that at the moment," he said

The couple said people would get involved in more things in Shaw if they knew what was going on.

They are also hoping to connect with expat Shawites around the world.

There is a meeting for anyone wishing to get involved on 13 May at the Coach and Horses pub in Shaw at midday.