IT started life back in 1979 with the bare minimum of equipment, but 25 years on Radio Rossendale is still going strong.

The hospital radio station first went on air to entertain the patients of Rossendale Hospital with just two record-players and a handful of records.

Even though the equipment may have improved and the stock increased, some of the requests remain the same.

Secretary and station manager David Foster got involved in the project after listening to a similar scheme. The 44-year-old said original requests for Frank Sinatra or Jim Reeves are as popular as ever, but they now face competition from more modern artists like Robbie Williams. He said: "I was in hospital in Bury in 1975 listening to their station, and said I would like to do something like it.

"When we started in 1979 we had two turntables, a microphone and one shelf of records."

Today the station has modern equipment like mini-disc players and turntables to play the 3,000 LPs, 150 CDs, and thousands of singles it has in its library. And to make the most of the increased choice the station plans to increase its airtime as part of its birthday celebrations. To mark the anniversary, on December 17, the station will hold a party night.

The station is manned by volunteers and broadcasts between 8pm and 10pm Sunday to Thursday. But after a studio revamp patients will have more opportunity to her their requests.

Mr Foster said: "Presently we broadcast between 8pm and 10pm Sunday to Thursday. In a few weeks we are going to start daytime broadcasts as well, which is quite a big challenge. As part of our 25th anniversary we are also producing a programme on the history of the hospital and want anybody who has a tale to tell about life in the hospital to get in touch."

The station is also planning to release a cook book to help raise money for its funds. Tony Blair and Sir Bobby Robson have already donated recipes.

Mr Foster encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to contact Radio Rossendale.

He said: "We are always on the lookout for volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming part of the station should contact the studio telephone line on 01706 233334."