Gateway 97.8 is the latest proud recipient of the prestigious Princess Royal Training Awards.

The radio station, which celebrates its 10th birthday next month, triumphed following a rigorous assessment process.

The award, which has been personally confirmed by HRH The Princess Royal, is given to those who are an exemplar of the best employee learning & development.

Gateway 97.8 which provides quality local radio to Basildon and Thurrock on 97.8FM, is already a winner of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and was the first community radio station in the UK ever to achieve this. It offers training to under 18s through its regular Saturday Radio Club, giving those members of the community the opportunity to become the radio presenters of the future.

Confirming the award, HRH The Princess Royal said:

“You have further demonstrated that investing in your people through training and skills development has delivered real and tangible impact and benefits, and it is appropriate this will now be recognised through your award. The commitment of your organisation to the development of your employees, especially during these acutely difficult times and as we aspire to recovery post Covid-19, demonstrates that you will be well prepared to play your part in the nation’s economic recovery.”

The station directors, staff and volunteers are delighted to accept the award.

Director, Danny Lawrence said:

“After months of writing this bid and interviews, I am delighted that we have achieved this status which reflects the diverse volunteer talent we have in our community”

Director, Ros Connors added:

“This wonderful award comes just as Gateway celebrates its tenth birthday, and couldn’t have come at a better time. I believe it is testament to Gateway’s continued commitment to media training which has always been second to none, and that which offers young people valuable life-skills through team building especially in these challenging times. I am therefore delighted HRH The Princess Royal has recognised the marvellous efforts made by our excellent training team, and bestowed upon us this cherished award.”

Gateway 97.8 is the local community radio station for Basildon and Thurrock on air 24/7 on 97.8FM and online.

Find out more about Gateway 97.8’s award-winning programme and all of the 2020 recipients.

Originally published on the Yellow Advertiser and Your Thurrock websites.