A BIRKENHEAD shop manager has been picked as one of 35 guest radio presenters for BBC Radio 1 over the festive period.

Dave Holt, a presenter and programme controller at Arrowe Sound Hospital Radio, was picked as one of the lucky few from more than 1,100 entries from across the country to host a show on the UK's biggest youth radio station.

From Boxing Day to New Year's Eve, the station will be showcasing the very best rising radio talent, giving 35 new DJs and presenters a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Speaking about being picked, 33-year-old Dave said: "Madness, I still don’t think it has truly sunk in!"

Back in October, Radio 1 put out a call for anyone with previous radio experience, be it in community, hospital, student or local radio to come forward.

Dave, who will take the late morning slot, now has the chance to follow in the footsteps of the station’s current DJs including Greg James and Nick Grimshaw who both started out presenting on student stations, Clara Amfo who began her career as a radio intern, and Annie Mac who previously worked as Assistant Producer to Zane Lowe.

Aled Haydn-Jones, head of programmes, BBC Radio 1 said: “The 35 guest presenters we’re announcing today have done incredibly well - having stood out from an astonishing 1,110 entries.

"Coming from a small Welsh town myself I recognise how hard it is to be noticed on a national level so I wanted this opportunity to be open to as many people as possible, based on just their voice, skill and knowledge.

"I feel we’ve done that and I can’t wait for our listeners to hear the brilliant presenters we’ve chosen."