NEIGHBOURS in Christchurch joined in with a street party after last week’s clap for carers, and it was also broadcast in Bournemouth and Poole hospitals.

Households in King's Avenue showed their appreciation for NHS workers risking their lives to help others and joined in with a makeshift party courtesy of Hospital Radio Bedside presenter Thomas James.

"We are unable to go into the studios now due to the lockdown, however some of our members are tech geeks and have found a way that presenters can broadcast using equipment we already have at home," he said.

“The road I live on has a Facebook group and last week I asked if anyone would like some music after the 8pm applause.

“There were plenty of messages saying yes please, and even some song requests, my wife then wondered if it be possible to broadcast this.

The producer of the show ran things from his home studio in Highcliffe, while Thomas delivered the show.

He said: “My neighbours certainly didn’t let the show or our key workers down, every household came out and stood at the end of their drives and made lots of noise. Pots and pans were being played and wooden spoons, whistles and whoops were heard and even a few fireworks were sent soaring.

“It was great to see so many people dancing and enjoying being outside, whilst being mindful of social distancing.”

After the event, one neighbour said: “Thank you for bringing us all together, but two metre apart, at such difficult times”.

Hospital Radio Bedside is a charity radio station based at the royal Bournemouth hospital with more than 60 active volunteers.

They have members who have been with them for 50 plus years and are still looking for new members.

Thomas said: “When I first asked the group if they wanted music I just thought I would be nice to do something a bit extra for the community, then after the idea of broadcasting a live show on HRB was mentioned the reason behind me doing it changed drastically. The whole neighbourhood wanted to be heard, showing their appreciation going live into the hospitals.

“During the lockdown HRB have played a slightly different role, were not just here to play music and take requests as people can’t visit hospital wards at the moment we have also played voice messages on air to patients that have been left on our Facebook page from loved ones.”

For more information visit hospitalradiobedside.co.uk