David Vickery is celebrating 30 years behind the microphone as a hospital radio DJ.

Since 1973, he has regularly entertained listeners tuning in to Southlands Hospital radio in Shoreham.

The hospital has always been a big part in Mr Vickery's life as he was born there in 1951.

Mr Vickery first got involved with the radio station in the early Seventies when a friend told him about it.

He said: "The station was only a couple of years old then and the equipment was very basic.

"We were based in a former butcher's store in the hospital grounds and were there for many years until hospital staff gave us a room in a new unit in 1980.

"At first, I just helped out in the background but then one day I was asked to read the news. Then I started doing a few more bits and pieces before getting my own show.

"At the beginning I was playing all types of music for different ages. In those days the hospital had the maternity unit and a children's ward so the requests were quite varied.

"Nowadays, patients at the hospital are mainly elderly and the type of music we play is different."

The station kick-started the careers of DJs Simon Mayo and Ambrose Harcourt, who both came from the Worthing area.

Mr Vickery said: "I don't remember Simon Mayo so well as he worked different times from me so I didn't see much of him but I remember Ambrose who was very nice and fun to know.

"A lot of DJs start off on hospital radio so it is nice when your hear about ones that worked with us who have done well."

Mr Vickery, from Hove, has seen many changes during his 30 years with the station.

He said: "The main thing is how the equipment has improved. We now have a professional standard studio, which makes things a lot easier.

The station broadcasts in the evenings and at weekends on a restricted medium wave frequency, which is confined to the hospital and grounds.

Mr Vickery said: "The station is part of my life and I cannot believe I have been here for 30 years.

"I have got to meet so many different and interesting people and always look forward to doing the show. I certainly intend to keep going for many years to come."