COLCHESTER’S own Army radio station has been granted a new five-year broadcasting licence.

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it would allow Garrison FM to be heard in the town until at least 2016.

Peter Bailey, one of the station’s directors, right, said: “The radio station plays a vital role in keeping soldiers in touch with their families while serving abroad. Garrison FM is a regular fixture in Colchester, forging strong links between the Army and the town.”

As well as broadcasting to Colchester on 107 FM, Garrison Radio also broadcasts locally on 1287 AM to Wattisham, the home of the Army’s Apache helicopter, to the Army Training Regiment in Bassingbourn and to MoD Woodbridge, the base of 23 Engineer Regiment.

Breakfast show presenter Liz Mullen, left, said: “The station has come such a long way since its beginnings in 2001.

“I feel privileged to be the regional representative for the Army’s own radio station. It’s all immensely rewarding.

“Before Christmas, I was out at Camp Bastion, recording, editing and sending back more than 60 interviews for Garrison FM, mainly from our own 16 Air Assault Brigade personnel – a memorable experience.”

Every week Garrison FM has been talking to Colchester-based troops serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, via a radio link-up.

Three soldiers with 16 Medical Regiment were among the most recent to be interviewed. Below is what they said.