A RADIO station has connected with over 600 people digitally to celebrate 15 years on the airwaves.

On Friday, Unity 101 Community Radio came together with volunteers, partners from the private, public and voluntary sector and VIP guests to celebrate it’s 15 year anniversary online Awards and Achievement Event.

This was the first time the radio station had ever run its event digitally as it put on a “lavish” online presentation, filled with food, and interactions with a “full Zoom Meeting experience” to connect the community whilst maintaining social distancing.

The evening saw a wide variety of awards given out, celebrating the work of the volunteers and partners at the station.

Dahlia Jamil, Chair of Art Asia since 2002 and Member of its Board for more than 25 years, took home the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Olivia Pinkney, The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary.

Northam Community Centre, Dr Neeru Sodha and Team, Nagendra Mishra and Eastleigh and Southampton Community were all honoured in the Covid-19 awards which recognises those who have gone “over and above” to help the local community.

Itchen Sixth Form College’s Sam Hammond, Richard Tauntons Sixth Form College’s Lauren Bevis, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College’s Charlotte Ginger, Oasis Academy Mayfield’s Kacey Scorey and Cantell School’s Rudi Funnell were all awarded a College and school award.

New Volunteer Certificates were also given out by Mayor of Southampton, Sue Blatchford to Imdad Khan, Neha Verma, Sohinee Dey Pal.

All three had completed a 30-hour training programme and have gained a college accredited certificate in Community Radio Broadcasting Skills.

The digital presentation was said to have an atmosphere similar to a “glitzy Bollywood film”.

Ram Kalyan “Kelly”, Project and station Manager of Unity 101 Community Radio said: “It was my wish to connect people whilst maintaining social distance, we did that with flying colours.

“I am so happy, we were able to give something unique to local people that they could enjoy in the comfort of their homes.”