LONG-SERVING volunteers at a hospital radio station were honoured after dedicating a combined 230 years' service.

Nine volunteers at Radio Cherwell were presented with Long Service Certificates from the Hospital Broadcasting Association.

Between just four of the volunteers they have wracked up 160 years of service between them.

Peter Clift and Richard Gosling have volunteered at the station for 35 years whilst Richard and Peta Simmons picked up certificates celebrating 45 years of service.

Radio Cherwell’s chairman, Neil Stockton, said: "The long term commitment of our members is crucial to the longevity of the station, but all members contribute to the team and every commitment, whether short term or long term, all makes for a successful hospital radio station."

Next year the station will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, and volunteers are already planning celebrations throughout the year, with a big event in September next year - on the station's actual birthday.

June Snowden, president of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, added: "It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to present long service certificates, acknowledging the hard work, dedication and commitment of members to their hospital radio station and to their community."

The station, which is based at the Churchill Hospital in Headington, also broadcasts to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and online via the website and TuneIn radio app for smartphones.

The charity is solely run by volunteers who undertake many roles both on air and behind the scenes, presenting programmes and visiting patients at their bedsides to keep them company.

For more information or to volunteer at the station visit: radiocherwell.com, or call 01865 225522.