THE achievements of a teenager with cerebral palsy who presented his first-ever radio show have been highlighted at the Scottish Parliament.

Dale Brown, from Dunbar, took to the airwaves of East Coast FM last month.

The youngster does not have the gift of speech but was able to present the 30-minute pre-recorded show with the help of a specially adapted piece of computer software.

The half-hour show caught the attention of Rachael Hamilton, a South of Scotland MSP, who submitted a motion to congratulate the teenager.

She said: “Dale’s accomplishment should be acknowledged in the Scottish Parliament and many members agreed and supported the motion.

“It is really important MSPs raise awareness of success in their respective communities.

“But let’s also not forget the great work East Coast FM do and the value community radio has.”

The motion, which was supported by other local MSPs, read: “That the Parliament congratulates Dale Brown, who is from Dunbar, on presenting his first radio show for the community radio station, East Coast FM; welcomes that people with health conditions, including cerebral palsy, can be involved with community radio services and notes the valuable contribution that it can play in teaching new skills and helping young people build their confidence; believes that it also plays an important role in communities across the whole of the country, and considers that it provides an invaluable service.”

The pre-recorded show took about 90 minutes to pull together and Ian Robertson, station manager, was hopeful it would become a regular feature of the station’s busy schedule each fortnight.

Mrs Hamilton also took the time to visit the Haddington-based radio station and discussed their work and funding.

She added: “East Coast FM provides an invaluable service.

“Community radio must be looked after to ensure it continues to deliver great services.”