During our three-month trial on DAB Digital Radio in early 2008, we received thousands of calls, texts and e-mails in support of BFBS Radio's service for the British Forces community.  One e-mail summed up the strength of feeling and support for the Forces better than any press release we could ever dream of concocting.  It came from a lady called Bev Docherty:

"For a long time I have been a listener to [BBC] Radio 1.

My husband is in the British Army and since his deployment to Iraq in December [07] I have listened to BFBS online. Ironically, I sent a message to BFBS via the website to find out if they broadcast on DAB about a week before you appeared on DAB!

I was unable to listen at work because living and working on an Army base any radio signal other than digital is pretty non-existent due to interference from kit. I'm obviously not able to listen to the station online at work as they would get a little suspicious of my Internet usage!! DAB is the only way I can listen to the station.

I listen to the station because it brings the world associated with the forces right around you like a big hug. It's a reminder for me that although I sometimes think that I'm the only one in the world completely on my own and missing the man I love, I'm not. There are so many families out there that are in exactly the same position. While our forces deploy they leave their family, friends and their home. They work hard, with little recognition and via the coverage of BFBS we can support their every effort. BFBS helps keep the families left at home and their forces connection, whether it be Dad, Mum, husband, wife, son, daughter in touch. It's a network that builds bridges and lets people share a thought, dedicate a song sometimes to an ear that you know that's listening, or purely on the off chance that that someone you want to hear your message is out there working and hears it. Sending a simple message from UK to Iraq or Afghanistan, a message of love or laughter - it gives morale a huge boost and takes a bit of pressure away from the temporary separation.

Our troops and their families are benefiting from the DAB broadcasting which is obvious on reflection of the volume of participants. With digital broadcast being the way forward for technology, I think it is very important for BFBS should remain on DAB.

A focus on forces news and issues is what is important to me. I like to know and at least try to understand what my husband is experiencing. Simple things like what the weather is like. DAB provides that. Along with all other essential news, good music, true messages and reality check that I'm not alone, and that each day that passes, is a day closer to my hubby getting home.

I support it all. Great music, great DJs, great links, messages and great support to our brave men and women from the forces to the families and friends."

Thank you, Bev.  Without getting gushy, this means a great deal to everyone associated with BFBS Radio.  We've printed out your e-mail and stuck it on the wall.  It puts a spring in our step now we're back on DAB Digital Radio permanently.