Forty years of hospital radio were celebrated in Harrow with a dinner and awards ceremony.
Radio Northwick Park, of the town’s Northwick Park Hospital, first went on air in 1971 and has been broadcasting ever since.
The station, which broadcasts for 24 hours a day, was celebrated with a gala dinner at the Harrow Arts Centre.
Radio chairman Matt Blank said at the evening: “It’s with great honour that I stand here as chairman of a charity that has had a spectacular history and a bright future. In times like this it is important to celebrate one’s own achievements.
“You’ve all made people smile, cry, feel like they’re not alone and it’s rare we take a moment to really reflect on the work we do.”
Len Elman, co-founder of Radio Northwick Park, added: “For any project to survive 40 years, it needs one thing, enthusiasm.
“When I look around, I see the same keen interest in the wellbeing of Radio Northwick Park as I did in 1971.”
Awards were presented during the evening. Betty Collick, 90, who joined the station at the age of 77 and is still an active member, was given an award for being the oldest member. Ms Collick received a standing ovation as she took to the stage. The two longest serving members, Trevor Larter and Charles Biggie also accepted their awards to thunderous applause.
The night included a champagne reception, meal, speeches, awards, live music and a grand raffle. A total of £600 was raised.