A Shipley man whose partner's dying words were to follow his heart and pursue a career in music is offering his services as a DJ free to the Shipley Festival.

Michael Roberts, 33, of Trenance Drive, Shipley, took up a DJ-ing course after losing his partner Jill Rothwell to cancer.

Now the 33-year-old is helping on Shipley Community Radio for this year's Shipley Festival.

Michael said: "I really wanted to put something back into the community.

"I feel really lucky that I have been able to do what I wanted and I think it's only right that I give something back as well.

"I think the festival is great and the more people who get involved the better."

Michael said he hit rock bottom after his partner died.

"I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was horrendous, I never thought I would get through. But the course gave me a new lease of life.

"I owe that to Jill so that's why I feel I have to do something for the community."

Michael recently did his first gig as a DJ at the Bankfield Hotel, in Bingley.

"It was great, I had a really good time and the partygoers seemed to have a good time too."

Shipley Community Radio will broadcast for the duration of the festival on 106.2FM.

The festival will be held between May 11 and 20 and organisers are urging people to come forward and help make this year's more successful than ever.

Bob Parker, Shipley Town Centre manager and festival organiser, said: "We are still putting the festival together but we have a couple of things lined up. We are hoping it will be a real community affair."

John Gill, community radio development worker, said he welcomed Michael's involvement with the radio station.

"Shipley Community Radio is really for the people of Shipley by the people of Shipley and as a local person, with his skills and knowledge about DJing, Michael will be a big boost to the station."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Shipley Festival is asked to call (01274) 757136.