RESIDENTS from a Lymington care home became DJs for the day when they visited New Forest Hospital Radio.

Six visitors from Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge had the chance to introduce tunes for the next broadcast of their own request show recorded by the station.

The tour of the Lymington Hospital studio also gave them a hands-on look at the production technology.

Visitor Marcia Page said: “I’d never been in a recording studio before. It was really interesting.”

Fellow resident Janette Banks added: “It was a totally new experience. When I came to Belmore Lodge I never expected I’d have a chance of being a DJ.”

The group was accompanied by activities organiser Jackie Fergusson.

She said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit and we learned a great deal about how our programme is made.”

Since last year, bespoke one-hour monthly request shows specially produced for residents of Colten Care New Forest homes - including Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge in Lymington, Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton - have been broadcast under a partnership with the station.

There are also plans to extend the service to Linden House in Lymington.

Jackie added: “The programmes are an ideal way for relatives and friends to suggest dedications for loved ones’ birthdays and anniversaries. Music is a joy for many of our residents and the shows are proving very popular. All kinds of music are played from classical pieces through to folk, rock, jazz and pop. We have portable stereo sets which mean residents can choose to listen in their bedrooms or together with others in our lounges.”

Hospital radio presenter Michael Robinson, who was host for the day, said: “We really enjoy producing the shows and to welcome some of our Colten Care music fans face-to-face at the studio was lovely.”

Following her visit, Janette Banks shared her own radio-themed method of getting to sleep at night. She said: “If ever I’m taking too long to nod off, I try to imagine what my eight records would be for Desert Island Discs. Usually I don’t get them all clear in my mind before I fall asleep.”