Devizes Hospital and Community Radio is back on air in its new home.

After almost 18 months of fund-raising the charity has transformed a portable building in the grounds of Devizes School into two studios.

Devizes Mayor Pete Smith officially opened the studios on Saturday.

The station was forced to quit its base in Northgate Gardens, run by Sarsen Housing Association, towards the end of 2009.

The move to Devizes School campus has resulted in a unique collaboration as the station has allocated one of the studios to pupils who wish to gain radio and recording experience.

Alan Truscott, vice-chairman of Devizes Hospital and Community Radio, said: “The school has a radio club and the students record interviews and drama and they are looking to do more interviews with the public regarding living history.

“It makes it a bit more exciting for the young adults to record in a studio and it’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm. They are a wonderful group, striving to do something for the whole school.”

At the official opening the mayor said: “It’s a very important project. Community radio is so important. Everybody has had to work very, very hard to raise money to get where they are now. I would urge people to come along and support it.”

Following the closure of inpatient beds at Devizes Hospital the station now broadcasts to four sheltered housing schemes in the town with more expressing an interest.

The station raised £18,000 to fit out the portable building and donations came from organisations including Hams Transport, Rotary, Lions Club, Round Table, Devizes Town Council and the Freemasons.

The station broadcasts 20 hours a week and would like to increase it to ten hours a day, but needs more volunteers to complement its existing 15 members. It does outdoor broadcasts at events including Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race and Remembrance Sunday.

Mr Truscott said: “We are looking for people who want to present and work behind the scenes.”

To get involved call Mr Truscott on (01380) 726204.