Presenter completes radio marathon

Matt Woodley was accompanied by family and friends

A BBC Radio Devon presenter has raised more than £18,000 for the Chestnut Appeal by broadcasting non-stop for 24 hours.

Matt Woodley went on air at 1200 BST on Friday, and played his final record, Roy Orbison's appropriately named "It's Over", to conclude the marathon at 1200 BST on Saturday.

During the broadcasting endurance challenge, Mr Woodley auctioned goods and services donated by local businesses and individuals and invited pledges in return for record requests.

A week's holiday in Corfu increased the appeal by £1,200, and tv and radio gardening expert Tim Argles auctioned his services to a listener in Chagford, who pledged £425.

The marathon was broadcast on BBC Radio Devon's medium wave frequencies until 1900 BST on Friday when it could be heard across all the station's frequencies.

Twenty four hours non-stop is something I've always wanted to do but the management has always said 'no' Matt Woodley, BBC Radio Devon presenter

BBC Devon Online also followed the mammoth attempt throughout, with a live webcam in the studio capturing all the action.

It meant the programme was listened to, and watched, by people all around the world.

Donations from local businesses included first class train tickets from First Great Western, a microwave oven and a weekend in a luxury hotel.

Mr Woodley was accompanied throughout the broadcast by a host of family and friends, including his wife, Stevie, who kept him 'fed and watered'.

"Twenty four hours non-stop is something I've always wanted to do but the management has always said 'no'," said Mr Woodley.

"This time around we had a good reason to do it and look at the result! Yesterday I was predicting we'd raise £10,000 but look at it now - we're only £100 off £19,000."