A borough radio station is encouraging Christmas shoppers to "do something a little different this year" by sending loved ones a personalised audio greeting, saving both pennies and the planet in the process.

Oldham Community Radio, situated within Tommyfield Indoor Market, has launched a new initiative to allow Oldhamers to send personalised messages over the air instead of Christmas cards.

Customers can opt to record their personalised message from home or from the comfort of the radio's studio and will come with seasonal musical backing and a "generous" thirty-word limit.

It will be played over the airwaves of the radio at least twice a day between December 1 and Boxing Day and will also be available to play online to reach loved ones wherever they may live in the world.

Costing £15, which includes production and broadcasting, the station said the audio greeting is a "fraction of the cost" compared to Christmas cards and postage and is "much more personal to hear your voice".

Businesses can also send clients and customers a message of appreciation for £35.

It added: "It's guaranteed to bring a warm glow to the recipient rather than the usual well-worn pictures of robins, holly or snowman on a card that may get lost in the post.

"So do something a little different this Christmas that's better for your wallet, great for the environment and a memory which will last long after the cards have been taken down."

To order, go to  www.oldhamcommunityradio.com and click on the Christmas greetings link.