THE radio company which broadcasts to soldiers at Catterick Garrison has been awarded a licence for another year.

Garrison Radio, which also won the contract for services in Aldershot, Colchester, Tidworth and Bulford, has confirmed its licence has been extended to June next year.

The news comes in the wake of the war in Iraq, when the station was processing hundreds of requests a month from soldiers sent to the Gulf.

The company, which also owns Hartlepool's Pool FM, employs 20 full and part-time staff.

Chairman and managing director Mark Page said: "Within a short time, Garrison Radio has firmly established a British Army radio service with both innovation and good radio practice.

"It is a job we all enjoy doing and it is a reflection of what we have achieved that we have had our contract extended to further serve the Army's external and internal messages, in addition to an important welfare role in the garrisons."

Meanwhile, Dales radio station Fresh! AM, which broadcasts from Richmond and Skipton, has confirmed the departure of the station's general manager, Les Gunn.

Dave Parker arrives from Harrogate's Stray FM to take over the role, while Mr Gunn intends to concentrate on other business projects.