ED ‘Stewpot’ Stewart officially opened the new community radio station at Westfield Art College in Weymouth in front of crowds of proud parents and teachers.

The veteran broadcaster and former presenter of popular children’s show Crackerjack declared the station ‘a huge success’ and marvelled at the state of the art equipment and facilities.

The internet radio station Air went live at noon yesterday, at the same time as Mr Stewart unveiled a new £20,000 Variety Club sunshine bus.

Good luck messages were played from stars such as Jonathan Ross, Lorraine Kelly, Carol Vorderman and Chris Evans.

After the official launch hundreds of parents and pupils set off orange balloons that whizzed through the skies, at the same time the show hit the airwaves.

Headteacher Andrew Penman said: “I am delighted that this exciting idea we had two years ago has finally happened.

“It will really be a feature to the school and a way for the community to work alongside the children.

“The concept of the internet radio is that the children will have the opportunity to broadcast shows 24 hours a day, including local topics, reviews and debates.”

Members of the community will be able to use the studio throughout the week either with the children or to broadcast their own shows – making the radio a centrepiece of the community.

Mr Stewart said: “I think the idea is just fantastic and I am full of admiration for the wonderful people who will work alongside the children to run it.

“It’s a marvellous asset that is clearly well-run and well loved and I wish them every success.”

First on the air was Jessica Haighton, 14, Fergus Shipperley, 14, and Max Brimble, 15, in front of an audience of radio celebrities, local politicians and their fellow pupils.

Jessica said: “I love being on the radio and doing the news and talking about what’s happening.

“It’s really fun and talking on it really gives me confidence.”

Max said: “It’s really fun being on air – I’ve never done anything like it and I’m so glad it’s at our school.”

Fergus added: “I think it’s just brilliant – I’ve learned such a lot and it’s helped me not to be shy and also it’s taught us all to speak in a better way.

“I’m looking forward to doing more shows.”

Radio station manager Carl Greenham said: “We’ve got this far and now the future of the show is a blank canvas.

“We want this to be an all-inclusive radio show and we’re open to suggestions from anyone who is passionate about getting involved.

“The £33,000 funding we have received from Dorset County Council will keep us running forever and we have so many fantastic opportunities.”

• To listen, visit the website: www.aironair.co.uk to hear the show.

You can also follow the show’s Twitter feed on @airstudentradio To get in touch with the station manager call 01305 833518.