A ROCK music lover from Hatherleigh was chosen from thousands to take to the airwaves on bank holiday Monday.

Gina Mills was picked from thousands of entries to take to the airwaves of national digital radio station Planet Rock for 'DIY Monday'.

Nine lucky listeners were chosen to get behind the microphone, present a show and take control of the station's music for an hour. Gina took control of the station from 5pm.

With guidance from DJ Darren Redick, Gina played eight tracks, including Hammer to the Fall by Queen, her favourite band, and classics by Guns 'n' Roses, Thin Lizzy, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Slash and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

'It was a fantastic experience being on such a popular radio station,' said Gina.

'The feeling of having so many thousands of people listen to my favourite music was lovely. The hour went very quickly really, as nerves were present.

'It was mentioned to be a DIY DJ for the day by submitting your top 20 rock songs, and I just had to enter. My new year's resolution for 2013 was to make it as crazy and do as many fun things as possible. I started by own jewellery range Ruby Horologie, and started modelling for vintage and alternative fashion days. This was just another crazy thing to try.'

Gina credits her taste in classic rock to her parents, who brought her up listening to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Queen, AC/DC, and more. Calling herself a 'big rock fan', Gina attends the Okehampton Battle of the Bands each year to experience the best of local talent.

As well as being part of a crazy 2013 for Gina, the opportunity gave her a chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to be on the radio.

She said: 'When I was younger, for a long time I wanted to be on the radio. I pursued drama for a good few years, so radio kind of fits in. You have to have confidence in yourself. You never know, maybe some talent scouts were listening that day!'