A LIFETIME ambition is now a reality for former Tavistock College student Matthew James-Penney.

Matthew, 22, who lived in Tavistock for around 15 years, is now living the fast life in London, as a presenter on a popular south west London radio show and also for an Australian television company.

His dream of being a presenter started while at school but became a reality in June 2008 when he was offered the chance of presenting the news bulletins on Westside 89.6FM.

Matthew left Tavistock at the age of 18 and went to work in the hospitality industry but came back to Devon and worked for BBC Southwest where his role was focused on covering local events as well as presenting the lunch time news bulletins.

Matthew said: 'When I started that job I thought "this is definitely what I want to do", so I packed my bags and headed to London. I left mid-June last year and started working in a bar but within one week I was offered a job with Westside.'

Now Matthew joins colleague Leanne to talk about everything entertainment on the 'Entertainment Hour' every Friday from 2pm to 4pm.

He said: 'One of the reasons I love working at Westside is the fact that as well as going to these red carpet events — all in the name of work — I also get to go to amazing local fetes, jumble sales and markets which shoot high profile events out the water.'

Radio talent scouts describe Matthew as 'highly unique, and would be in exceptional demand today by forward thinking radio stations — he is really one of a kind'.

As well as being heard across the radio waves, Matthew also appears on Unseen TV – an Australian entertainment production company covering events in London for the Australian audience, with 10,000 people alone viewing its website every day.

With his work, in January alone, Matthew will be attending film premieres including Will Smith's new movie 'Seven Pounds', 'Revolutionary Road' and 'Valkyrie'.

He will also be interviewing movie stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Kate Winslet and Tom Cruise, to name but a few.

Matthew also works on a freelance basis for BBC London covering major events radio and television in the London region — his most recent work with the BBC was for Children In Need. His colleague on the night was former BBC Blue Peter presenter Konni Huq and Matt featured on the community show hours before the live event.

To gain more experience on radio Matthew also works as a volunteer at 'University London Hospital' on the radio station 'City Beat'. His show focuses on patient requests and current affairs to keep all the patients and staff updated with what's going on.

Matthew said: 'I have always wanted to do presenting and I am glad I made the effort and went to London. What I would say to people who want to do the same is that you have to be able to handle rejection, but London does open a lot of doors.

'I would like to do more TV based shows but radio is great fun and I am gaining a lot of experience from it and having a lot of fun.'