Appeal for Mersey charity which needs help.

A MERSEYSIDE radio station is looking for a charity to campaign for over the next year.

BBC Radio Merseyside executive editor Mick Ord wants to find a charity with an "irresistible" message that it can get behind.

He said: "The key to achieving this will be finding projects that address a need that the Merseyside listeners audience will quickly 'get' and that deliver a change to people's lives that can easily be demonstrated.

"There should be an instantly recognisable emotional bond with potential donors via the charity itself and the projected outcomes.

"The charity should benefit people living in the BBC Radio Merseyside total survey area - Merseyside, North and West Cheshire, and West Lancashire."

Applications will be accepted until November 27. The selection process will then take place and the station will announce a shortlist with a live presentation by the shortlisted charities at BBC Radio Merseyside in January 2010.

The successful charity will be announced afterwards.

Listeners will get their say but the decision will come down to the Radio Merseyside Charities Steering Group.

The winner will have to market their charity themselves but will be regularly given airtime.