A POPULAR community radio station is celebrating after having its Ofcom licence renewed.

Volunteers at Swindon 105.5 popped the cork last week when it was revealed that the regulator would continue to licence the station until at least 2023.

Station manager Shirley Ludford was over the moon.

She said: “We are delighted that Swindon 105.5 has been recognised once again for delivering on all its promises and more.

“Many hundreds of dedicated local people have been passionate about being involved, showing support, using the station to promote interests or services since before we launched, and we have enjoyed some excellent relationships across communities and with business”.

The station has served the town for the past nine and a half years.

Every four years into each five year term, a comprehensive application has to be submitted to Ofcom towards renewal of its licence.

Shirley added: “The station has continually evolved since launching at the County Ground on March 15 2008, and we have plans to celebrate our 10th anniversary with 10 different events as well as more key relationships that will further strengthen the station”.

Swindon 105.5 was awarded the Queens Award For Service To The Community (MBE) delivered by HRH The Duke Of Kent in 2014, and Shirley received the High Sheriffs Award.

Several volunteer presenters have received awards for programmes and many local people have developed skills, found employment, gone on to further education or learnt to promote their interests effectively.

News reporter Dave Woods, who has been involved with the station for almost nine years, said: “This is really great news to know we are able to continue to provide our unique service for Swindon.

“It means local people, voluntary groups and charities will still have the opportunity to tell their stories on air, which as a presenter and reporter is something I enjoy sharing with our listeners and think it is vital for a truly local radio station to do.

“It is, however, our volunteer training and community engagement that will be strengthened by our licence renewal. Giving local people a chance to learn new skills has always been a key to our success. Seeing volunteers grow with their confidence and go on to other opportunities is something we’re especially proud of.”

Earlier this year, the station celebrated almost a decade in the community with a birthday cake and party live on air at their Liden Library studio.

Next year a they will be celebrating 10 years of success.