Radio Royal’s 60th anniversary party gained the celebrity seal of approval today.

Comedian Billy Pearce and former World snooker champion and honorary Radio Royal president Joe Johnson, were among guests at the Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Field House where the station is based, alongside members of the Black Lace pop group, Bonnie of X Factor fame and Craig Harper who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, to raise a glass to 60 years of patient entertainment.

Radio Royal chairman George Sumner said: “Over the years, Radio Royal has made a huge contribution to the life of patients during their time at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and we hope that his success continues in the years to come.

“We wouldn’t survive without the volunteers and there are about 20 of us, all unpaid, who year in year out provide music, chat and a friendly ear to the thousands of patients who pass through the hospital.

“Our anniversary party is about thanking all those volunteers who have given their time so selflessly for the better of others, and I’m delighted that local celebrities like Billy and Joe agree that these efforts are worthy of recognition and to help us celebrate 60 wonderful years of volunteer hospital radio here in Bradford.”

Joe unveiled a plaque to mark the station’s 60 years and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, made a guest appearance alongside former Radio Royal presenter, turned Bradford Council Conservative Councillor John Pennington.

Coun Pennington said: “In all, I stayed at Radio Royal for about five or six fantastic years and I think it is amazing that volunteers are still entertaining patients today.”

The station was originally started by the hospital’s electricians who, in their spare time, put the first studio together. It was opened by the late Robert Morris.

Radio Royal has carried out more than 22,250 hours of broadcasting and played many thousands of requests for patients and their relatives.

In its early days, the presenters had to borrow records from a local music shop in order to play songs that had been asked for.

And, once aired, they were put back in their sleeves and returned the same night.

It now broadcasts to Bradford Royal Infirmary, 24 hours a day and around 20 people are involved in the day-to-day running of the station.

Volunteers are always needed so for more information contact George on (01422) 350161 or Chris Heaton, voluntary services nurse manager on (01274) 364309.

George said: “You don’t need a radio background to get involved and we are especially keen to recruit those people with plenty of time on their hands so they can make a valuable contribution to hospital radio and the benefit of the hospital and the patients.”