PATIENTS at Oxford's hospitals may be feeling under the weather - but at least they get the best in in-house entertainment.

Radio Cherwell, which broadcasts to four of the city's hospitals, has been named Thames Valley Station of the Year for the second year running in the annual BT Hospital Radio Awards.

It just missed out on the national Hospital Radio Station of the Year title - also finishing runner up for the second year in a row.

Radio Cherwell chairman and presenter Steve Bridges said the result was testimony to the hard work of 80 volunteers on the station.

He said: "To have received such recognition from the judges shows we're on the right track to helping the patients in Oxford's hospitals. It is a great boost to everyone involved, not just presenters and engineers but all those who give up their time to visit patients and raise funds.

"If we spend our time producing a service that makes just one patient forget why they are in hospital it makes it all worthwhile." The station, which was launched 30 years ago, broadcasts to up to 2,500 patients seven days a week, including live commentary of Oxford United games and church services from the John Radcliffe's chapel of All Saints.

Its entry this year concentrated on new patient participation programmes such as Ward Bingo, a weekly quiz called Don't Ask Me and the weekly Jemini Award, in which grateful patients nominate a member of staff for a surprise bouquet of flowers.

The BT Awards, which are open to every hospital radio station in the UK, were announced at the Hospital Broadcasting Association annual conference at the weekend.

Mr Bridges, an inspector for Oxford police when he is not behind the microphone, added: "We hope to go for the national title next year but our main priority is to our patients."

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