DETERMINED Black Country broadcasters have managed to return to the airwaves - just hours after a break in forced them off the air.

Black Country Radio volunteers were left speechless after thieves targeted their Stourbridge studio and stole vital broadcasting equipment worth around £10,000 in the early hours of Friday morning (September 9).

Mixing desks, amplifiers and studio equipment were ripped out during the raid – but station chiefs have worked round the clock to install replacement kit and get back up and running.

The station had been due a studio refit soon but the incident forced volunteers to set about putting in a new mixing desk sooner than planned. They now, however, need to raise £10,000 as soon as possible to buy additional related equipment.

They have now launched an online fundraising page to help raise money for the equipment which is needed to ensure the new desk functions optimally.

Bosses at the station, which is due to mark 12 months since 102.5 The Bridge and internet station Black Country Community Radio joined forces, say the thieves managed to walk away with some key pieces of equipment but the studio is covered by CCTV so video footage of the raid has been handed over to West Midlands Police.

To keep up-to-date with the station, which broadcasts on 102.5 FM,check out Facebook, Twitter @WeAreBCR or blackcountryradio.co.uk

Anyone wishing to make a donation to help the station buy vital new equipment can go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Blackcountryradio