VOLUNTEERS celebrating 60 years of Southampton Hospital Radio have marked the start of the Jubilee with one of the Queen’s most prestigious honours.

The team, above, who have been broadcasting to the wards of Southampton General Hospital and the Princess Anne hospital for six decades, received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Starting with just a tape recorder, microphone and a £75 licence fee, the station, which has had 2,000 volunteers pass through its doors, has broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supporting the recovery of thousands of listeners with everything from football commentary, to music and chat shows.

The award, created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, is the highest given to local volunteer groups across the UK and recognises outstanding community work.

Steve Mullane, current chairman, said: “It is also extremely poignant for us and all of the people who’ve listened and thanked us over the years that we’ve been given the chance to share in the celebrations of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in our own 60th year.”

To volunteer call 023 8078 5151.