A HOSPITAL radio broadcaster who has been involved in providing the service for more than 50 years has picked up an award for his years of dedication.

Terry Clough, who has been involved at Durham Hospitals Radio since it started in the 1960s, was presented with the award at a national ceremony.

The station, which is broadcast to patients at the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND), picked up two other gongs at the National Hospital Radio Award, which were held in Stoke-on-Trent.

The service, which is run by 15 volunteers, was given a silver award in the station of the year category, while Eileen Thompson, from Chester-le-Street, won a bronze award in the female presenter of the year section.

She said: “There are massive stations we were up against and we have just 15 volunteers so we’ve done really well.

“Terry was dumbfounded when he got his award."

The Northern Echo:

Durham Hospitals Radio broadcasts at the University Hospital of North Durham

It broadcasts daily and its shows include music and reports from local events and sports fixtures.

Mrs Thompson, a children's entertainer, who has been at the station for six years, added: “We try and keep our patients close to our hearts and make sure their well-being is the most important thing”

Mr Clough, from Will was presented with the John Witney Award for his involvement with the station, which has spanned the last 50 years.

Judges said: “As chairman, he’s been described as being crucial - at times of crisis, forever seeking solutions to problems, no matter how big, including, at one stage, working hard to resolve an issue that put the very future of the station into doubt.

“He’s a true community helper, who remains fully committed to, not only his station, but also the listeners and fellow volunteers.

“He’s described as a true rock with a real passion for hospital radio. Hospital radio runs through his blood – it’s almost as if he was born to do it."

Judges praised the station's feel-good and listener-focused offering.