Mansfield 103.2 managing director Tony Delahunty was surprised with two awards when the radio station celebrated its 25th anniversary.

At the Big Birthday Bash at Forest Town Arena. mayor Andy Abrahams presented Tony with a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Mansfield District Council.

Tony, who will be 80 in March, also received a special community award from the Rev Caroline Phillips.

The small glass trophy was to recognise his unparalleled role in keeping the station going over the past 25 years.

The world-renowned broadcaster has worked there since its launch, when he was head of news and sport.

Mansfield 103.2 is one of only a few independently-owned radio stations remaining in the country.

Tony said: “It’s a great and moving honour to receive the awards, but the real 25-year story is the incredible work and talent demonstrated by (programme controller) Ian Watkins and his amazing 103.2 team through some amazing achievements.

“I particularly observed during covid their remarkable quality broadcasting,- doing exactly what local radio was designed to be —– a pulse providing both comfort and vital information to our listeners.

“This old hack will soon be trying to write a book Confessions Of A Successful Failure, and telling stories to my grandchildren.

“Team Mansfield 103.2 is more than capable of delivering real local radio for many years to come and in a fast-changing media world I hope they get the support to do that.”

Tony, who has had a long career in broadcasting and reported live from the tragic fire disaster at Bradford City FC in 1985, added: “The people here are as good as you can get.

“I originally came here for three months, but I stayed!