TONY Heare says he always had the gift of the gab.

But when the Caldicot rock fan started volunteering on hospital radio at the Royal Gwent three years ago, he realised his talents could be shared with more than just family and friends.

Three years on, Mr Heare presents a Sunday morning breakfast show on radio station Voice FM, and has become a hit with listeners of the online station.

Despite working more than 40 hours each week in his day job as a Gwent Police call handler, Mr Heare finds time to drive 75 miles and the length of Gwent to voluntarily host his show at the station in Abergargoed.

Already a steady band of followers have praised him for his commitment and hard work to the small radio station alive for residents in the Caerphilly borough.

"I love it," said Mr Heare, 53. "I try to give the listeners what they want, and they seem to respond. If I could do it professionally, I would be there like a shot."

Hear Mr Heare every Sunday between 8am-10am on www.voicefm.co.uk.

To find out how you can help support the station, check out its website.