A radio station received a gift of £1,000 for equipment while its studio is refurbished.

The Royal Free Radio’s grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help comes after building work forced the radio to leave Chase Farm Hospital in The Ridgeway, Enfield.

Howard, a volunteer with the radio since the service began in 1970, said: “We have broadcast to local hospitals for over 47 years.

“Some of our studio equipment is 20 years old and is becoming unreliable.

“Thanks to the funding we can continue broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week while the new studios are fitted out, and then make the switch with no disruption.”

The radio broadcasts to Chase Farm, North Middlesex and Royal Free Hospitals.

Howard is just one of 30 volunteers who keep the radio playing.

Some volunteers have gone on to begin a career in the media after training at Royal Free Radio either as broadcasters or technicians.

Laura Price from Groundwork London, who run the Tesco Bags of Help grants, presented the volunteers with a giant Tesco cheque.

She said: “It’s impressive that this community service has been going for so long – the volunteers are very dedicated to what they do.

“Access to free hospital radio is such a support to patients and their families, so we’re proud to play a part in updating this vital part of the hospital.”