BLACKPOOL Victoria Hospital's in house radio station received a shot in the arm this week as a grant of £400 was awarded to upgrade broadcasting equipment -- thanks to the keen initiative of one volunteer radio presenter.

John Hunter, who is a supervisor in the American Express Foreign Exchange department at Lunn Poly on Birley Street, Blackpool, won the special grant from the company's Global Volunteer Action Fund (GVAF). The fund awards two grants per year to non-profit organisations that American Express employees, like John, help through volunteering. Keen DJ John, who lives on Brocklewood Avenue, Poulton, has been a volunteer with the hospital radio for more than 22 years. He presents a weekly radio programme and visits patients on the wards as well as serving on the executive committee as treasurer.

John explained: "A new multi-million pound development at Victoria Hospital meant our premises had to be demolished to make way for new buildings. We have now moved into new premises but we need to upgrade some of our existing broadcasting equipment which is nearing the end of its useful life.

"This GVAF grant makes a valuable contribution to our fund-raising efforts."

Jo Crockett, public affairs and communications manager at American Express said: "Many of our employees are involved in voluntary work and the company is keen to support them in every possible way."

Pictured is John Hunter who is delighted with the grant.