A RADIO station that used to be only for hospital patients will be available to all after going on the Internet.

Five decades after Radio Horton was launched, the shows that have cheered up patients at the Horton Hospital, Banbury, can now be heard online around the world.

Shows went live on Friday at radiohorton.co.uk with the help of television presenter John Craven, Banbury mayor Colin Clarke and the station’s vice president, comedian and actor Bobby Bragg.

People can tune in to a host of entertainment including request shows, Sunday worship live from SS Peter and Paul Church, Deddington, as well as news and chat shows.

Station manager Stewart Green said the move takes Radio Horton into the 21st century and shows would reach new audiences across the county and beyond.

He said: “By making our programmes available to listeners outside hospital, we can provide a similar service within the community, assisting former patients on their return home, as well as appealing to friends, family and staff in a truly local way.”

About 60 volunteers help run the radio station, with about half presenting shows during the week.

Mr Green added: “All volunteers do such a marvellous job, both on-air and behind the scenes.

“It’s exciting for us all that a wider range of people will have a chance to listen to the wonderful work they do.”

Radio Horton was set up in 1964 by local journalists Ted Hanson and Graham Wilton. They pre-recorded shows for hospital listeners at Mr Wilton’s Banbury home, before moving to a studio at the hospital.