A CITY MP is to make his debut on a Ramadan radio station.

Mark Lancaster went to visit the people behind Central Milton Keynes-based Ramadan FM, which is in its second year of operation.

The city’s first radio station dedicated to the Muslim holy month broadcasts online as well as on 87.7FM.

It is a voluntary venture by 50 people who ensure that programmes, prayers and lectures are broadcast 24/7 during the month of fasting, which started on Wednesday, August 11.

During his visit to their Norfolk House base, Mr Lancaster took part in a pre-recorded interview with hosts Leila Reeb and Muhammad Houghton.

He was asked about his background, including his entry to politics, his time spent as a Territorial Army officer in Afghanistan and his views on the burka.

During a surprise quiz he impressed Leila with his knowledge of Islamic culture.

Praising the diversity of Milton Keynes, he was particularly interested to hear that the radio station broadcasts in various languages as well as English, targeting the Sri Lankan and Somalian communities for example.

Mr Lancaster said: “This is a fantastic project and just proves what communities can do when they pull together. What better medium to use to reach out to people? I commend Ramadan FM and hope to return next year – no doubt they will go from strength to strength. I wish the Muslim community of Milton Keynes all the best during the month of Ramadan.”

A date for the broadcast of the interview is yet to be finalised.