WELL-known Swindon voice Dave Woods is in the running for a national radio award honouring his hard work on Swindon 105.5.

The community station’s weekend manager, 46-year-old Dave, of Gorse Hill, has been nominated for his coverage of this year’s local elections, with his show Europe: Does it Matter to Swindon? receiving special acknowledgement.

He is nominated in the best news and current affairs documentary/feature maker category of The Radio Academy’s fifth annual Radio Production Awards.

“I was totally shocked. I received an email announcing the nominations and saw my name,” he said. “It was a real surprise and an honour.

“I’m up against BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight plus three other professional producers, so just to be shortlisted is such an achievement.

“I’m proud that community radio is now being recognised for the quality of its programming at a national level, and once again Swindon 105.5 is leading the way.

“I am looking forward to going to London for the award ceremony at the end of the month.”

Dave will find out if he has been successful at a ceremony taking place at The Hippodrome on Tuesday, November 25, which will be hosted by Lauren Laverne, from BBC 6 Music.

The nomination comes during a memorable year for Swindon 105.5, which received a visit from the Duke of Kent last month.

During his trip the duke presented the station with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour available to volunteer groups.

The duke also toured their base, in The Bentley Centre, Stratton Road, being shown how to edit shows and meeting Swindon 105.5’s volunteers.

In March station manager Shirley Ludford received the High Sheriff of Wiltshire award for promoting philanthropy and devoting her time to help others develop new skills.

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