FOREST community radio station Dean Radio has celebrated its eighth birthday.

The award-winning station marked the milestone in its Cinderford studio with balloons and birthday cake.

The station is run entirely by volunteers and broadcasts from the Miners’ Hall in Cinderford on 95.7 and 105.6FM as well as online at deanradio.co.uk,

Its programmes cover a wide range of musical tastes and interests, alongside local news, community information, interviews, sport and entertainment.

Director Clive Southerton said:“Congratulations to all of the team at Dean Radio as we celebrate eight years of broadcasting to the Forest of Dean.

“To all of our members who keep the station on air with their excellent programmes, thank you so much.

“I think we broadcast a wide range of entertaining and informative shows geared towards our local audience.

“There is no one else out there doing what we do, so I thank each and every one of you for your hard work and commitment.

“To every listener who engages with us on air, gets involved with our programming or comes to see us when we are out and about, thank you so much for your loyal support.

“We are all volunteers and any feedback we get is greatly appreciated.

“Finally, to all our advertisers, past and present and to everyone who provides financial support to keep the station going – and this includes all of the hardworking on-air team – thank you so much for all that you do.

“Eight years on, Dean Radio continues to be powered by the volunteers who give their time, creativity and passion to keep the station on air and connected to its local audience.”

The station is keen to hear from people who would like to get involved, whether behind the microphone, in production, promotion or other areas.