Hunterston Rotarians have tuned-in to give support for the Three Towns local community radio, 3TFM.

Broadcasting across Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan, the station has just received the Rotary Club of Hunterston's April community award.

Every two months, the club receives grant applications from local organisations, groups and community projects, with Rotarians selecting one to support with a £200 donation.

Jim Jackson, Community Officer of the Rotary Club of Hunterston, said: "We are delighted to be able to assist 3TFM continue to make its most valuable contribution to the airwaves of our Three Towns.

"The radio station team are all volunteers and are to be commended for their efforts in broadcasting important news, views and information to listeners in this part of North Ayrshire.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: 3TFM radio presenter Joe Mullen explains the station’s operations to Rotary Club of Hunterston

"Local radio stations keep our communities both entertained and informed ...this is of vital importance today and should be recognised and supported."

Accepting the award, 3TFM station boss, Archie Edgar said: “We are a not for profit organisation, and any money we raise goes straight back into paying our licences and running costs to keep our radio station legal and on air.

“In the economic climate we find ourselves in, it is increasingly hard to raise funds to pay our way. The Community Award from the Rotary Club of Hunterston will go towards paying our licence fees and other running costs.”

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Hunterston Rotary Club Community Officer Jim Jackson learns the art of radio broadcasting from 3TFM

3TFM Community Radio for Health was formed in 2008, to broadcast health messages and news across the Three Towns area.

Listeners can also receive station broadcasts on the internet, on mobile phones, and now most smart TV’s can also pick up broadcasts.

“Radio appeals to the imagination and is flexible enough to reach the homes, the car, the office, garden and workplace. To keep the radio station on air costs £7,000 per annum,” added Mr Edgar.   

An award of £200 is being made by the Rotary Club of Hunterston every two months in 2024 to a wide variety of local community groups.

Those seeking an application form can either go to the Club’s website www.hunterstonrotary.org.uk or contact Rotarian Jim Jackson on  jim.jjwk@talktalk.net or 01294 823502.