The radio programme is broadcast on prisoners' televisions

Eight inmates record a daily two-hour show, focussing on prison life, which they can then send to their families.

The station, called Clinks Radio, will be officially launched by BBC Wales presenter Roy Noble on Tuesday.

This summer, Cardiff featured in the five-part live BBC One series, Behind Bars, giving a taste of prison life.

Vanessa Newton, head of learning, skills and resettlement at HMP Cardiff, which holds about 750 inmates, said the project allowed prisoners to learn new skills or improve any existing DJ-ing skills they may have.

Some prisoners record their own music for the two-hour programme, which is broadcast on television in the cells in the evening, she said.

She said: "We hope that what will happen is that family will be able to write in with requests and we will able to play those records for them.

Paper scissors

"We're also hoping that it will help prisoners maintain their relationship with their family, and improve their relationship.

"It improves communication skills for the prisoners themselves and its improves communication throughout the prison.

"Also, some of the prisoners say they will be able to use some of the skills when they get out. Some of them have been a DJ before and want to do more when they come out."

Roy Noble will use a pair of paper scissors to cut the ribbon at the launch ceremony, as metal scissors are not allowed in the prison.