AN OXFORD gospel DJ has been given his own radio show.

From June 7, Gary Smith, who lived in Cowley for 21 years before moving to Bicester, will host the Urban Gospel Experience at 9pm every Sunday on BBC Radio Oxford.

The father-of-one, who also set up Oxford’s first Christian club night, has hosted one-off gospel shows at the station in Banbury Road before.

However, he said he was surprised to be offered a permanent slot for his show, which is a mix of predominantly Christian music and more contemporary music styles.

Mr Smith said: “The editor spoke to me about it after I had been a guest on another show, and now just weeks later I’m preparing for the first show of my own.”

He said: “There is a huge gospel movement within Oxford, particularly on the estates, so having a show like this is going to be a massive boost to the gospel music industry, not just in the city, but everywhere.”