THE Swindon 105.5 community radio station is celebrating seven years of smooth-sounding success this month – as the station seeks to secure its future for the next seven years.

The Bentley-centre based station, headed up by former BBC Wiltshire presenter Shirley Ludford, has quickly gained a place at the heart - and in the ears - of the community.

Swindon 105.5FM launched on March 15, 2008, from the County Ground where it remained for two years before moving to its current location.

Station manager Shirley said: “It feels good to still be here and to be doing this work after seven years. There have been some great memories over the years and hopefully many more to come.”

Over the seven years 105.5 has been notable for welcoming volunteers and trainees with a wide range of disabilities such as visual impairment, learning difficulties and victims of physical abuse.

Highlights have included film superstar Whoopi Goldberg memorably meeting Shirley and becoming a patron of the station, a visit from the Duke of Kent and a registered blind volunteer landing her first paid employment in nine years due to her experience at the station.

Shirley said: “It’s been a constant demand on my time, as well as managing the station, training and supporting volunteers.

“The station is a labour of love and the difference it has made to hundreds of people over the years is both inspirational and keeps me motivated.”

The station manager is known for delivering a range of projects, including a classroom anti-bullying scheme and a Media Savvy course to help community representatives promote their organisations more effectively.

With annual costs totalling £40,000 - which has been met by grant-funded projects, donations, and friends of the station - Shirley has been tasked with reeling in new supporters.

She said: “Local support shown has been brilliant and it’s a huge thank you to all who have shown their value for our service.

“We now need to widen the support in order for the station to both continue and to develop.”

The station will hold a '60s-themed celebration event at the New Century Club, Gorse Hill, on April 24- headed by Locarno Beat featuring Locomotion’s Pete Townsend, female duo The Decibelles and Danny D’s disco.

All funds raised will go towards the station’s costs. For more information or to support the station visit www.swindon1055.com