Tarka Radio has received a grant from the Big Lottery Fund for new equipment.

North Devon’s hospital radio service has been given a funding boost.

Tarka Radio has received nearly £8,500 from the Big Lottery Fund for new studio equipment at North Devon District Hospital.

The hospital broadcasts all day, every day to patients in the hospital.

Tarka Radio chairman Keith Turner said new equipment would give the station the potential to provide entertainment ‘outside the hospital’s walls’.

He said: “We can’t thank the Big Lottery Fund enough. It means so much to our team of presenters and patients.

“I know our patients would like to thank the lottery for helping Tarka Radio to ensure they don’t feel alone in their stay in the hospital.”

The radio station is celebrating 35 years of service this year.