A train driver and hospital trust governor have racked up a total of 90 years' continuous service volunteering at Ipswich Hospital's radio station.

The two long-term volunteers at Hospital Radio Ipswich, the radio service for patients and staff at the Heath Road site, have enjoyed a 40-year friendship at the station.

John Alborough joined the organisation on May 2, 1974, when the station was in its infancy at the site. 

Mr Alborough, who is also a public governor at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), has served in a variety of roles at the station over the years, including time as chairman.

East Anglian Daily Times: John Alborough's weekly 'Alborough Festival' is the longest continuous programme one the station. John Alborough's weekly 'Alborough Festival' is the longest continuous programme one the station. (Image: Hospital Radio Ipswich)

His weekly Alborough Festival programme, which airs on Thursday evenings from 8pm to 10pm, is the longest continuous programme on the station, featuring a mix of patient requests, music, and chat. 

Tim Ward joined the organisation on January 12, 1984, when he had just started a career in banking. He has served in a number of committee roles as well as presenting programmes.

The two have enjoyed a 40-year friendship during their long service to the station. 

By day, and some nights, Mr Ward is a train driver, meaning he does not have a regular programme but is involved in the station sound.

His long term role is in station production, planning programme rotas and ensuring things run smoothly.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tim Ward joined the station on January 12, 1984.Tim Ward joined the station on January 12, 1984. (Image: Hospital Radio Ipswich)

Mr Ward said: "I've enjoyed it immensely. I met John on my very first visit to Hospital Radio Ipswich and we became the very best of friends."

He added that a highlight of his time at the station was meeting the patients during his regular programme, Ward on the Wards: "When I had a regular shift, our focus would be walking around the wards taking requests and the whole programme would be based on the music chosen by those in the hospital beds."

He still however manages to pop on a pair of headphones and present a programme when time and shift patterns allow.

Neither of them has any intention of hanging up their headphones anytime soon.

Mr Alborough added: “Life is full of ups and downs, but through it all I have been privileged to be part of Hospital Radio Ipswich.

"The service provides a real opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of hospital patients, whilst at the same time it has been great fun with some lovely friends."

For more information and ways to listen to Hospital Radio Ipswich (HRI), visit: www.hri.org.uk