TROOPS have answered an SOS plea to keep a hospital radio service on the airwaves.

Harrogate District Hospital's radio service faced a crisis when several presenters had to leave for varying reasons.

But now troops based at Harrogate's Army Foundation College in Penny Pot Lane have stepped into the breach as part of their community and charity work.

The six-strong squad, led by Lt Laurence Roche, are helping radio volunteers as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The Army trainees jumped at the chance of becoming presenters, said radio service chairman David Simister.

He said: "We now have half a dozen new recruits eager to become hospital radio presenters.

"They are picking up the ropes very quickly and soon they will be hosting their own shows. I'm so pleased that they responded to our call to arms."

Lt Roche, a former hospital radio society member, said the college were keen to build links with the community and this was just one way of helping.