DJs and volunteers behind an online community radio station in Ipswich have celebrated its success over the last year.
The station, IO Radio, which is based on South Street Studios, held their annual Christmas awards ceremony last night.
The awards were handed out to the volunteers which have made the biggest impact on the station in 2017.
The awards given out ranged from the best show, the most improved presenter, the best presenter, volunteer of the year, the radio achievement award and the special Matthew Percy award for outstanding achievement.
Matthew was a celebrated figure in youth politics in Suffolk as a member of the Youth Parliament and had won a seat on Kesgrave Town Council.
He was also a former presenter on the radio station who brought his passion for politics to the airwaves, Matthew took his own life in April 2015 at the age of 21.
Matthew Percy’s sister, Eva Percy, presented the award to winner John Smith.
John Smith, who is living with a complex condition which means only one of his arms is fully functioning, presents a show called The Focus Show.
The 25-year-old said: “The IO Radio award means a lot to me because it is very hard to think of different artist’s and bands once a week.
“You also need a lot of information about them so the presenter can talk about the artists.”
Station manager, Ed Barnes, added: “John won the award for hosting one show and producing another every week despite only having the use of one arm and dealing with other additional needs.
“He has incredible passion for his work and is an example to all that a disability doesn’t have to stop you from getting involved!”
The evening took place at the Smokehouse in Ipswich and consisted of awards and sharing stories of their achievements.
Ed Barnes, said: “The IO awards night is a fantastic occasion where all the DJs and volunteers get together to celebrate what we’ve achieved in 2017.
“We have new shows, new graduates, DJs moving on to the BBC, MTV, and Archant, a new office and we’re about to open a third studio!
“IO Radio is getting bigger and better each and every year and we’re more than happy to celebrate it!”
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