The Mayor of Dudley has paid a visit to Black Country Radio to congratulate them on their recent Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The station was one of only two Dudley borough organisations to be given the award, which is equivalent to an MBE, for services to the local community. 

They were also acknowledged with a special designation for providing impactful support during the early months of the pandemic - one of only 13 organisations across the West Midlands to receive such recognition.

The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Anne Millward said: “Black Country Radio is a station which prides itself on being at the heart of the community and there to support its listeners. 

"They are deserving recipients of the Queen’s Award and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved and continue to do for the people of this borough and across the Black Country.

“At the height of the pandemic, the station stepped up and did what it could do to help others and I would like to thank all those involved for making a difference during the most challenging times.”

Black Country Radio provided a wide range of support during the first stages of the pandemic, including the launch of a community helpline which got vital support to over 500 vulnerable people around the Borough. Councillor Millward visited the station last Friday to congratulate the team as well as touring their new state-of-the-art facilities. Keith Horsfall, Chairman of Black County Radio, added:

“This accolade is testament to the dedication and commitment of all of our members who provide not only entertainment for the local community but also information, documentary pieces, comprehensive local sports coverage, advice, support and so much more.

"It is wonderful to be nationally recognised like this and it’s the ultimate thank you to our team and our supporters.”

Black Country Radio was launched in 2015 when two former radio stations - 102.5 The Bridge and Black Country Community Radio - merged. In 2016 the station moved its studios to Brierley Hill's Waterfront before relocating to the Resonance Music Institute, a new state-of-the-art education provider based in the Cable Plaza building.

The station broadcasts across the Black Country and Birmingham on FM, DAB and online and has recently released a new mobile app that can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.

Black Country Radio prides itself on bringing the latest news, music and local topical debate to the people across the region. They also support numerous public and civic events including town centre Christmas events and Remembrance Sunday.