Radio Mayday's 30th anniversary became star-studded when local celebrity Winston McKenzie performed his latest single live from a patient's bedside.

When presenter Derek Richmond told listeners in passing that Winston should visit Mayday Hospital to give a rendition of his song A Better World in person, Helen Watson called the studio from her ward to take up the offer.

Vice-chairman of the station Katerina Clarke said: "Staff and visitors were delighted when Winston, like a true hero, obliged.

"Radio Mayday is about serving the needs of our listeners first and foremost.

"Our sole reason for working here is for their well-being and we'll do whatever we can to make their stay as pleasant as possible."

She said the station, which has two state of the art studios and a comprehensive CD collection, has come a long way since its humble beginnings 30 years ago.

In 1972 it operated from a leaky shed in the hospital grounds with only one broadcast studio into which presenters had to hot foot when it was their turn to take the controls.

Katerina added: "It was fantastic that Winston took the trouble to come and sing to Helen; he's a real star, but that is so typical of the response we get at Radio Mayday.

"The camaraderie here is great and there is never a dull moment."

Meanwhile the station is currently recruiting for ward visitors.

Volunteers are asked to work a two-and-a-half-hour shift, weekday evenings or during the weekend, collecting requests and helping out in the studio.

Anyone interested is encouraged to leave a message on the station's answerphone on 020 8689 9200