THREE radio presenters have been rewarded for their years of service behind the microphone at a hospital radio station.

The three radio DJs, Frank Benson, Luke Hardwick and Mike Denham have completed 45 years of service between them at Darlington Hospital Radio, based in the town’s Memorial Hospital.

Mr Benson, 85, presents a live music programme on Sunday evenings featuring easy-listening music with a Geordie flavour, while Mr Hardwick, 33, hosts a regular slot on weird and wonderful facts, including "ten useful things you can do with an egg whisk".

Mr Denham, 67, can be heard on the Songs from the Musicals show on weekday afternoons.

He also co-presents a live show The Wednesday Workout, featuring music from across the decades, as well as helping out with his local amateur dramatic society.

The trio were rewarded for their charitable work with long-service certificates for years of service, presented by June Snowden, the president of the Hospital Broadcasting Association.

John Bright, membership officer for Darlington Hospital Radio, said: “All three give their time completely free of charge because they believe passionately in the service that we deliver - a free-of-charge entertainment and information service for those who may be feeling isolated during their stay in the hospital."

Darlington Hospital Radio is a charity, run by a small group of unpaid volunteers who provide an entertainment and information service to patients during their stay in the Memorial Hospital.