A community radio toolkit, created by Manchester-based community radio charity Radio Regen, was launched by Creative Industries and Tourism Minister James Purnell, MP last week at the 2nd annual Community Radio conference Community FM.

The toolkit includes everything from advice on applying to Ofcom for a community radio licence to technical help and tips on securing funding. The new guidance comes as Ofcom prepares to award the 50th licence from almost 200 applications to date. Community radio stations across the country provide an ultra-local, not-for-profit service, which offers benefits including educational training and experience, social inclusion and wider access for communities to broadcasting opportunities.

The 2004 Community Radio Order paved the way for the new analogue stations, which already include services that cater to the interests of various religious and ethnic groups, children and older people and Gaelic speakers.

The Community Radio Toolkit will be online by the end of 2005 on http://www.communityradiotoolkit.net

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport contributes �500,000 annually to help community radio stations with core costs.