A COMMUNITY radio station is set to receive an award for being on the right wavelength with volunteers.

Swindon 105.5 is set to be presented with the highest honour available to volunteer groups – the Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service – by the Duke of Kent during a special visit on Monday, October 27.

The station, based in The Bentley Centre, broadcasts a uniquely local service for the region 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Funded by grants, donations, fundraising and support in kind, the group has seen hundreds of volunteers and trainees of all ages and abilities develop skills and confidence, some gaining employment or going on to higher education.

Station manager Shirley Ludford said she was delighted the duke would be visiting the studios to present the award.

She said: “I was interviewed for a few hours last autumn and we heard in May this year that the station was to be recognised for its work in the community and the achievements of so many individuals, later hearing that the award was to be delivered in person by his Royal Highness.

“This is an exciting recognition of our work and a credit to all the individuals who make up Swindon 105.5.”

In addition to presenting the Queen’s Award to the station, the duke will unveil a plaque for a soon-to-be-refurbished studio in association with Drove Primary School.

Shirley taught the pupils there who, at the age of nine, became the country’s youngest NCFE Level 1 radio accredited certificate holders.

Station chairman Nick Stevenson said: “We are very proud of the station’s reputation of service delivery, while at the same time continually needing to fundraise to provide that service.”

The award comes after several other successes for the station this year.

Shirley received the High Sheriff’s award for long service to the community and was featured as an ITV Surprise Surprise guest, being flown to New York to meet actress Whoopi Goldberg.

The movie star actually agreed to become a patron after their meeting.