Community radio has grown and established itself as part of the UK's diverse and vibrant radio ecology, the culture minister said as he praised Norwich station Future Radio.

Ed Vaizey said a recent Connect:Transmit project, supported by the Norwich station, was a good example of how community radio comes together to support skills and training for young people.

The website, set up to allow young broadcasters to share their work and get feedback, was funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and co-ordinated by Radio Regen, a charity supporting the community radio sector.

Future Radio is part of Future Projects, a community-based arts, media and education charity which provides school inclusion projects for young people aged 13 to 16, post-16 support, music, media and radio training and education films/DVDs.

Future Radio began broadcasting in 2004. After a number of short-term trial licences, it started broadcasting full-time in August 2007.

It worked with community radio stations Shmu FM in Aberdeen, BCB in Bradford and Preston FM on the Connect:Transmit project.

Station manager Terry Lee said: 'I'm really proud that Future Radio has been recognised as an example of best practice in the House of Commons by Ed Vaizey.

'I've always known that community radio is a powerful community engagement tool, but it is significant for the sector that the minister that represents the department for culture, media and sports is speaking in support of the positive work that Future Radio and our partners around the UK are doing.

'We have hundreds of volunteers from this fine city to thank for our fantastic reputation, as well as our engaged audience of 42,000 monthly listeners.'

Has your community organisation been recognised? Contact the Evening News newsdesk on 01603 772443 or email newsdesk@archant.co.uk