A radio station in Watford celebrated 60 years of broadcasting with a mammoth 60-hour live show last weekend.

Watford Hospitals Broadcasting Service first began broadcasting live football commentary from a broom cupboard in the Peace Hospice.

Today, the charity - which aims to improve the lives of patients at Watford and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals - has three studios, a meeting room, an office and a record library.

Last weekend the volunteers marked the achievement with a live broadcast from 7pm on Friday, September 25, and finished at 7am on Monday, September 28.

Chloe O'Czaja, head of events and fundraising, said: "I am so proud of the way the team all pulled together to pull this event of – I couldn’t have done it without them.

"The spirit within the studios was absolutely amazing and the way everyone took on the 60 second challenges was brilliant.

"I am grateful to all the guests who visited us so they could be a part of this special event and make it so memorable.

"The public have once again surprised us all with the generosity and support they have shown the team.

"To each and every person who made this weekend possible – thank you. With a team this strong Watford Hospital Radio will be around for years to come."

Throughout the weekend, the presenters and guests took part in 60 second challenges, including the Maltesers challenge, stacking apples, cookies and decorating cakes.

On Sunday afternoon Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill joined the celebrations, telling the team how important she felt hospital radio was and recorded a get well soon message that will be played to patients.

The president of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, June Snowden, presented the station with their long service award and presenters Julian Knight, Pete Munroe, Dave Roberts, Don Bickley, Andy Wernham, Alex Kelly, Richard Wyborn and Mark Nicholas with accolades for volunteering for the charity for at least 10 years.

Ms O'Czaja continued: "The team have raised more than £730 from this weekend, which is absolutely amazing and will go a long way to continuing to improve the service that is available to the patients. A special thanks to the companies who sponsored the event and made it possible and of course to everyone else who donated and sponsored the team over the weekend."

The service was shortlisted for three Hospital Broadcasting Association awards and attended the annual conference in Newcastle.

Chairman of Watford Hospitals Broadcasting Service, Adrian Rowe, said: "Although the broadcast was exhausting, I'm really pleased we marked our 60th year in this fashion.

"We really could not have succeeded without Chloe's hard work, and the team as a whole. I'd like to thank the people who donated and supported us."

The team will be at a number of Christmas events across south west Hertfordshire, and will be playing an important part in next year's Hospital Broadcasting Association conference which is being held in Watford.

To get involved in Watford Hospitals Broadcasting Service, email applications@westhertsradio.com.