Ken Welford, Harrogate radio pioneer

He was a natural at the microphone, and when in 1994 Harrogate gained a commercial station, Stray FM, Mr Welford was there.

Following its transition from a volunteer-led “festival” station, broadcasting for four weeks at a time, he became one of its regulars.

But although he concentrated on his professional broadcasting career, he never forgot his radio roots, and upon retirement he returned to the hospital station as a presenter and its treasurer.

Mark Oldfield, the organisation’s chairman, said the station was planning to pay tribute to him with a selection of his favourite records.

“As we now broadcast via the internet, his family and friends will be able to listen to it,” he said.

Ian Wighton, a former chairman and trustee, who joined the hospital station six months after its launch, added: “Ken was the first person I met at Harrogate Hospital Radio.

“He was my mentor, my inspiration and, more importantly, my friend.

“He was passionate about radio and was never happier when playing one of his favourite Beatles tracks.”