SIXTIES pop star turned actor Adam Faith proved he can still set pulses racing when he visited Maidstone Hospital to open new radio studios. The 62-year-old celebrity, who lives in Tonbridge, met patients, volunteers and hospital bosses after declaring the new £50,000 studios officially open.

DJ Lyn Tompsett said: "Adam was absolutely wonderful. He was here for about two and a half hours and when the ladies on the wards found out he was here there was considerable excitement. They were desperate to meet him. And some of them did as well because he went up to the wards to say hello."

Mr Faith, who had two number one hit singles at the start of the 1960s, helped to demonstrate the new equipment in action by doing an interview. He also pre-recorded a series of jingles which the station will be able to use in the future.

Hospital Radio Maidstone, which celebrates its fortieth anniversary next April, broadcasts to 575 beds at the hospital, as well as the reception and the accident and emergency waiting area. It is hoped that the new equipment will help the team of volunteers to build upon their recent successes at the National Hospital Radio Awards in Glasgow, where they picked up five trophies, more than any other station.

It costs about £10,000 a year to run the station, financed largely through fund-raising at events like the River Festival in Maidstone, when the HRM outside broadcast van puts on a show and beams it back to the hospital so patients don't miss out. If you are interested in hosting a show or helping out at Hospital Radio Maidstone call the station on 01622 224747 for details.