A new presenter is greeting listeners to kmfm’s weekend early breakfast show.

Canterbury College student Ben Pearce, 19, is the station’s latest DJ, broadcasting to thousands of people who tune in between 6am and 8am.

Ben, who is a second year of BTEC Level 3 media production student, began hosting the show this month after his talent was spotted by kmfm programme manager Rob Wills.

He studies at college during the week and wants to pursue a career in radio.

He said: “It’s mad. When I was growing up, being part of that radio station was always on my mind. To be a kmfm DJ at my age is a dream come true. I’d like to think I’m a friendly voice that helps people get up in the morning.”

He admits the early starts – getting up at 4am and driving from his home in Folkestone – are tough, but says they are worth it.

Rob said: “I’m really excited about Ben joining the team at kmfm. He has a great passion for radio and although he is new to the industry, I feel he could have a great career in radio. I’m glad he is starting it with us.”

Ben did his first ever kmfm show in Christmas 2012, and has been on-hand to cover shows throughout 2013. He was discovered while hosting a regular show on community station Academy FM Folkestone.

Ben’s media production course at Canterbury College has taught him some elements of radio production, and he has studied other useful techniques such as interviewing.

“If it wasn’t for the Canterbury College media department’s encouragement, I might not be doing this,” he said.

“They helped me to fully focus on achieving something.”

Head of media, Zoran Tesic, said: “Ben was one of the students who knew what he wanted to do from day one.

"He was very persistent about achieving his goal and we’re so happy when we contribute to our students achieving their dreams. We’d like to say well done to him.”

Canterbury College has worked with kmfm in the past. The company’s kmfm Extra logo was designed by graphic design student Will Branton in 2011.

To find out more about media courses at Canterbury College, go to www.canterburycolege.ac.uk/media