A crash course in coping with radio interviews opened the eyes as well as the ears of those taking part.

Ten participants, representing a wide range of Orkney businesses and organisations, signed up for a lesson in how to face a microphone without a qualm.

Orkney Enterprise enlisted the help of former Grampian TV presenter Jimmy Spankie, who channelled years of broadcasting experience into building the confidence of those on the course.

They were then given the chance to practise what Jimmy preached during individual interviews conducted and recorded by BBC Radio Orkney's Dave Gray.

"It was a real eye opening experience for me and I'd now feel a lot happier about doing a radio interview," said Adrian Harray, from the Ferry Inn, Stromness.

"If someone wants to interview me in future, I'd be a lot more relaxed and far less frightened than I would have been before."

Sisters Freda Norquay and Kathleen MacLeod, who help run the Tomb of the Eagles as a visitor attraction, also decided to go on the course.

Freda said they have tended until now to let their father, Ronnie Simison, handle requests for interviews. He discovered the Stone Age tomb in South Ronalday,

"We get a lot of visits from foreign TV and radio crews," she said. "I wanted the confidence of knowing I wouldn't make too much of a fool of myself the next time I'm asked to give an interview.

"I found the course really useful - I'd certainly feel more prepared and in less of a panic about being interviewed."

Orkney Enterprise development manager Rosemary Seagrief said the Kirkwall-based development agency had attracted European funding to set up the course.

"Local radio is an important source of news and information in Orkney," she said. "Many businesses and organisations are regularly asked to give interviews - so we felt it important that those who face the interviewer's microphone do so with confidence.

"It was great that we could bring in someone like Jimmy Spankie to run the course - he has so much experience to pass on and is an acknowledged expert in media training."

Jimmy, who had a 25-year broadcasting career with Grampian TV, teaches clients throughout Scotland the best ways to tackle interviews.

 "It's unknown territory for many when they come on the course," he said. "My job is to be positive and build on the strengths people already have - it's all about boosting their confidence and taking away some of the fear they may have about facing a microphone."

Before interviewing each of the course participants, Dave Gray gave them a behind-the-studio-door guide to the way a radio station works.

"I wanted to try and demystify the whole thing for them," he said. "We work hard to make sure people sound good when we broadcast interviews - letting people know that hopefully makes the prospect of talking into a microphone a bit less daunting.

"Having said that, I thought they were really good when it came to the interviews I did with them.

"I'd never have picked out the ones who'd never been interviewed before as first timers. They looked me in the eye, instead of starring at the wall or their feet, and that's a sure sign they were feeling confident."

If there is sufficient interest, Orkney Enterprise plans to run a similar course next year.