A local community radio station has scooped £30,000 windfall towards producing programmes on local issues, dramas and teaching children broadcasting skills.

Totnes’ Soundart Radio was awarded the cash in the third round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Launched in 2006 at the former Dartington College of Arts, the majority of Soundart’s programmes are today created by a team of some 100 volunteers and feature discussions and documentaries about local and social issues, dramas, poetry and storytelling, live improvisations and specialist music sessions.

Lucinda Guy, Soundart’s artistic director, said: “The challenges of the last couple of years have brought about a renewed understanding of the importance of local radio in connecting one another, and sharing arts and culture.

“This funding enables us to thrive and to put in place our plan for the future.

“Our work is in constant dialogue with other radio stations, around the South West and around the world, and the evolving role of radio in our lives.

“Community radio is vital in any democracy as a space where people can hold power to account, create and own media infrastructure, and collaborate and listen deeply to one another.

“We welcome this show of support from DCMS for grassroots, independent media, and the space it provides for diverse voices and viewpoints.”