Birthday celebrations for Black Country Radio after 10 years of broadcasting

Black Country Radio, originally known as The Bridge, first began broadcasting at the beginning of 2008 after gaining an FM licence from Ofcom. It then merged with online radio station Black Country Community Radio in 2015 to become what it is today.

And this year the team of 100 volunteers behind the station are blowing up balloons and popping the bubbly to celebrate the impressive decade-long milestone - as well as the news their FM licence has been extended until 2022.

CEO of Black Country Radio Alex Totney said: “I am so proud of the volunteers that have delivered this local radio service over the past decade.

"The commitment to give a vital local service, and provide a platform for local communities, is truly inspiring.

"With the extension of our FM licence for a further five years, we are truly excited about what the future holds for us in addition to the online and DAB service we provide."

Simon Wilson, 22, has been volunteering with the station for about three and a half years.

He started as a trainee presenter after working in student radio at Halesowen College and worked his way up to become a regular Tuesday and Wednesday drive time presenter, which he still does today alongside his IT studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

Simon, from Kingswinford, said: "I just love being part of Black Country Radio - presenting shows to the community I live in, and have done all my life, is just a fantastic feeling.

"I can’t believe I get to talk into the mic and play loads of great tunes, meeting my childhood dream of becoming a radio presenter. It's something I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get the chance to do.

"Community radio is essential, it provides a service that other stations just don’t anymore. We're now 10 and that is fantastic. I’m so proud and honoured to volunteer at BCR, my shows on the station are the highlight of my week. I just love it so very much."

Black Country Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 102.5FM, on DAB across Birmingham, and online. The station is run entirely by a team of about 100 volunteers.

Programmes include local news, local sports coverage, daytime programming and a wide range of specialist shows from classical to dance.

Visit blackcountryradio.co.uk for more information.