A HOSPITAL radio station will keep on broadcasting for another year thanks to a donation by the town mayor.

Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Ian Haszeldine, has donated 800 to Radio Skerne to keep the station on air for at least another year.

John Forbes, vice-chairman of the station, said: "The donation from the mayor's charitable fund has come at just the right time for our organisation and we would like to extend our thanks to him for his generosity.

"The fund has always supported our charity over the years. A special note of thanks must be paid to the staff of the mayors charity shop for their efforts to raise money for good causes in the town."

The station has run since 1985. It broadcasts 24 hours a day with live shows on weeknights and Sundays.

It is run by volunteers to broadcast at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Mr Forbes added the studio needed to be refurbished and upgraded but the station's priorities would be to continue to provide a service to patients.

Coun Haszeldine, who was given a tour of the station, said: "It was a pleasure to visit the studios of Radio Skerne to be part of a live show and to see their operation.

"The station has a compact set up but the work that goes on at the station is tremendous.

"I think the operation at Radio Skerne is fantastic and they really do make the best out of space and equipment they have."

For more details of the charity station contact 01325-743304 or email radio_skerne@hotmail.com.