A CASH-STRAPPED Borders radio station has successfully aired a 30-hour-long broadcast as it battles to survive.

TD1 Radio, a community station based in Galashiels, credits last month's stunt with earning it enough money to operate for a further 12 weeks.

TD1’s director and station manager Jim Keddie says the £1,600 will cover three months of costs.

Mr Keddie said: "We lost all our advertising revenue and had to cancel our 80s party night in the Volunteer Hall so we lost around £1,500 in annual income which is 25 per cent."

The live lockdown "radiothon" was run by the station's team of volunteers, all working from home.

TD1 says it has also benefited from a Scottish Borders Council (SBC) crisis grant.

Established in 2008, the station relies on donations, sponsorship and advertising revenue, according to Mr Keddie.

The 49-year-old told the Border Telegraph: "We plan to increase our sponsorship and advertising revenue if possible, and commission a second transmitter on 105.0 Mhz to increase our potential audience to 25,000 to include Selkirk,Tweedbank, Melrose and Langlee.

"Commercial operators and the BBC are making lots of cuts to local radio and the community radio sector is the only one left to fill the gap."

Mr Keddie added that over the last three months, TD1 has welcomed new volunteers joining the team.

"We now have 34 presenters presenting shows from home for the schedule – many with live shows,” he said.

"Our schedule has never been so complete."

To listen, you can tune in to 106.5FM – or visit: www.td1radio.scot/