A MUCH-LOVED community radio station is ringing in its ninth year on the airwaves, but needs funding to ensure its future.

Swindon 105.5 celebrated almost a decade in the community with a birthday cake and party live on air at their Liden Library studio.

Since its launch in 2008 at the County Ground it has quickly gained a place in the hearts and ears of town listeners

Smooth voiced community stalwart Shirley Ludford has been at the helm of the radio station since the beginning. She said the station had enriched the lives of thousands of volunteers.

She said: “It’s what goes on behind the radio that is so vital and important to our volunteers. We are a family and we help people achieve their goals, gain confidence and shine through working in the radio.

“The station is the accessible and inclusive community station for Swindon and we have seen thousands of people of all ages and abilities coming in to the Station during the past nine years, seeing great personal achievements.

“It doesn’t feel like nine years, I feel very proud of all our volunteers.”

Over nine years 105.5FM 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.

Some of those volunteers have gained employment, gone on to higher education, run courses and training for community groups and provided placements for schoolchildren, college and university students.

The station has also faced funding challenges during its nine years and as always needs support from the community.

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.

Shirley said: “To ensure we can stay on air for another nine years we need funding and we always need people to help sponsor us.

“This is a time to look forward and widen our support for the business, education and wider communities of Swindon, whilst seeking financial support for our service through sponsorship, donations and advertising. It is very much a two-way benefit that that this station offers.

Nine years on Swindon 105.5 is busier than ever and will launch a training studio next week where Shirley will teach a range of courses to people of all ages.

Last year the station moved from its home in the Bentley Centre, Shrivenham Road, to Liden Library.

For information or to donate visit swindon1055.com