VOLUNTEERS with Kidderminster Hospital Radio are celebrating filling the airwaves on the wards with entertainment for 30 years.

The station, went live on August 30, 1975 and has helped brighten up patients' stays at the town's hospital ever since.

It now goes out from state-of-the-art facilities in Franchise Street, which were the result of a massive fund-raising effort, after it first went on air in a small makeshift studio in the old haematology block.

Over the years, the charitable service has won a host of prestigious awards and has twice beaten off the challenge of more than 600 other hospital stations in the country to walk off with a national hospital radio prize.

Chairman, Dot Barrie, who has been a member of the organisation for 29 years, said the most enjoyable part of her role was talking to patients.

"Visiting people on the wards is the main thing that we are about," she explained. "We go and speak to them, get requests for songs and, more importantly, give them some company because - even if it is for only five minutes - it helps brighten up their day."

Members regularly take to the streets of Wyre Forest with collection buckets to raise vital funds to ensure the station remains on the airwaves.

Mrs Barrie, who has done everything from football commentary to live election night broadcasts in her time with the charity, said one of the group's proudest days was the opening of the purpose-built facilities in 1987.

She explained: "When we opened the new studio it was a big step forward. It did take a lot of hard work but it was worth it. I know that we managed to raise £33,000 ourselves. That was a fantastic achievement."

Request shows and interview-style programme, Talkback, remain firm favourites with listeners and even more will have the chance to tune in when the service is extended to six more wards in the new year.

Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, offered his congratulations to the volunteers on helpign the station to reach its 30th year.

He said: "I admire them tremendously for keeping going all these years when we have had virtually no in-patients in the hospital.

"When we had a proper hospital, they would go around the wards asking for requests and messages and that received a great amount of interest. They have done a wonderful job."

Anyone interested in getting involved with any aspect of Kidderminster Hospital Radio should contact Caroline Edwards, who is fund-raising and development manager, on 01562 515698.

People who can spare as little as a few hours a week can help in a variety of roles, including fund-raising, technical support and administration.