- Night of triumph for CSV / BBC Partnership -

CSV, who runs the biggest national network of social action broadcasting, is celebrating success after sharing gongs with the likes of Chris Evans, Classic FM and John Humphrys at this week’s Sony’s, the equivalent of the ‘Radio Oscars’.

CSV took top spot in the Community Awards category which recognises many of the unsung heroes of the sector, with small stations and community campaigns being recognised alongside their more famous counterparts.

The CSV Action Network, which works in partnership with 36 BBC Local Radio stations across England, had a particularly successful night, with ‘The Plot’ winning the Community Award, and with a separate contribution to BBC Radio Derby’s victory for medium sized station of the year.

The judges specifically commented on two pieces produced by CSV for Derby’s ‘Islam Awareness Week’ noting that: “On several occasions the station has explored the challenges facing young Muslims and in doing so has given its audience a chance to listen at length to voices normally reduced to vox pops - or not heard at all.”

Turning their attention to ‘The Plot’, an initiative which saw two derelict Slough allotments turned into thriving community spaces, the judges called the project: "A great idea with which the station engaged in a truly original way. What set it apart was that they exploited the idea across the output, even managing a drama in the garden shed. It was fun radio which really engaged the community and left a lasting legacy."

Other CSV projects nominated last night include ‘Paul’s Place’, which raised funds for a Bristol charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of physically disabled and people with dementia and Cornwall’s ‘Sea Sense’ which promoted river and beach safety.

Andy Griffee, BBC Controller of English Regions commented: “It was a very good night of Sony’s success for BBC Local Radio and particularly for our six-year-old partnership with CSV.  Our Action Desks help thousands of people volunteer for all kinds of worthwhile causes each year and make a critical contribution to stronger and more effective local communities.  But they also help us to deliver real tangible benefits from our broadcasting and it's great that the Sony judges have recognised this so powerfully this year."

Damian Radcliffe, CSV’s National Broadcasting Manager says: "The partnership between CSV and the BBC has a proven track record in motivating and inspiring communities, but it’s great to also have the quality and professionalism of our broadcasting acknowledged too. With lots of great campaigns in the pipeline, we hope to make even more of a splash at the Sony’s in 2008.”

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For further press information contact Paul Donohoe 020 7812 0037/07779 624 385 pdonohoe@csv.org.uk or Jason Tanner 020 7812 0038 jtanner@csv.org.uk

Notes for Editors

1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK's leading volunteering and training charity and creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action. Last year 227,000 people give 5 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. www.csv.org.uk

2. CSV Action Desks are based at 36 BBC radio stations across England and encourage the nation to play a more active part in the life and well being of their community. Over the past six years CSV Action Desks have had over 365,000 calls in response to local volunteering and learning opportunities promoted in partnership with the BBC.  CSV Action Desks are part funded by the European Social Fund. For more information visit: www.csv.org.uk/actiondesks