A HOSPITAL radio station that has been entertaining patients and staff in Oxford for more than half a century has issued a desperate plea for volunteers.

Radio Cherwell, which broadcasts 24/7 to all three hospitals in Headington, said it is becoming more and more reliant on using recorded material due to a lack of people to produce programmes.

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Membership officer Martin Green said volunteer applications had 'dried up' adding: “People move on to other things or move out of the area and we are unable to replace them.”

Oxford Mail:

Neil Stockton, current Radio Cherwell, in 1972

The station, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, is looking for presenters, engineers, ward visitors, and people who can help with outside broadcasts.

Chairman Neil Stockton said: “Our aim has always been to provide as many live programmes as possible and to ensure patient participation.

“We look to provide interactive programmes which involve the patients, and this can be very therapeutic, especially for long term patients.

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"We have a request programme every night, ward quizzes and even ward bingo. This is in addition to our award winning children's programmes which are broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday.”

Volunteers must be over 16 and be able to commit at least for a year working at the station. Visit radiocherwell.com.