BBC Radio Derby is 'best station'

Smiles from members of the BBC Radio Derby team after winning the award

Editor Simon Cornes spoke of 'a special bond' with listeners after seeing BBC Radio Derby named 'station of the year' at the BBC's annual Frank Gillard awards.

The internal event recognises the best in BBC local radio across the country.

And BBC Radio Derby picked up the main prize at the awards ceremony held in Nottingham.

It ensured the title stayed in the East Midlands after BBC Radio Nottingham took the honour last year.

The judges called BBC Radio Derby an "out and about station that feels well connected to its audience and its area with likeable presenters and good touches of humour".

Derby's entry ticked every box with the judges for its range of output, high production values, and community action.

Accepting the award, Simon Cornes paid tribute to the station's listeners and spoke of BBC Radio Derby's ability to make them 'laugh and cry, often within a few minutes of each other'.

The station had been nominated with BBC Radio Nottingham and BBC Hereford and Worcestershire.

There was further glory for the team with a 'silver' award in the diversity category, won by BBC Radio Merseyside.

BBC Radio Derby's 'station of the year' award means next year's awards ceremony will be held somewhere in Derbyshire.

The awards are named in honour of Frank Gillard, the famous BBC World War II correspondent who played a major role in the creation of BBC Radio 1,2,3 and 4 and the network of local radio stations.