Radio Nottingham wins two awards

BBC Radio Nottingham won Station of the Year at the Gillards in 2008

BBC Radio Nottingham has won two Gillards, awards which honour the best programmes in BBC local radio.

Radio Nottingham Breakfast Show presenter Andy Whittaker was named Presenter of the Year.

Sunday Breakfast presenter Sarah Julian and producer Celia Kellett won gold for Faith Programming.

The BBC's Frank Gillard Awards, named after the founder of BBC Local Radio in England, were held in Nottingham on Thursday 8 October 2009.

Judges' verdict

On Andy Whittaker the judges said: "[He] showed exceptional empathy, grilled local decision makers with courteous tenacity while encouraging everyone who tuned in to think about their city and county in a positive and different way."

One of the panel even went so far as to nominate Andy for Mayor of Nottingham.

The judges said BBC Radio Nottingham's Faith Programme had an excellent mix of programming which focuses very clearly on matters of faith within the local community.

"The station's connection to the audience was obvious, with good evidence of listener interactivity and feedback and an excellent range of local "voices", views and comments."

Gillard history

BBC Radio Nottingham also earned silver for Station of the Year at the Gillards, an award they won in 2008.

This is the 10th year the awards have been held.