A RADIO station that started life in a hospital cupboard has bagged a big award.

Conquest Hospital Radio has graced the airwaves with its volunteer-run service for 45 years. Now, it has landed the Corporate Vision Magazine Media Innovators Award for the “Leading Provider of Hospital Radio Services in the South East of England” .

The Hastings station had humble origins. When it started, four enthusiasts recorded programmes at home and broadcasted them from a tape player in a cupboard at the Royal East Sussex Hospital in Cambridge Road. Now, a team of dedicated volunteers beams out programmes from a purpose-built studio.

The station receives about 10,000 requests a year from patients on the wards and listeners at home. It is free, and raises its own funds.

It broadcasts 24 hours a day, every day of the year and has continued uninterrupted during the coronavirus crisis.

Conquest Hospital Radio’s Chris Gentry said the recognition was “ a great morale booster”.

He added: “The Conquest Hospital Radio team are immensely proud to receive this prestigious award. It adds to the positive feedback we receive from patients and their families.”