Dedicated coronavirus radio station launched for Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham

Health Information Radio is a non-profit service set up by four radio professionals who wanted to ensure a constant flow of information was available without opinion or potential scaremongering stories.

The digital service will feature explanations of what a coronavirus is, how to stop it spreading, the importance of self-isolation and social distancing and updates on the current situation in the UK.

Simon Hardwick, of Health Information Radio, said: "I personally felt frustrated that the important science-based prevention messages that could save lives were being lost in the background noise of speculation, discussion and opinion of other broadcast media.

"It is clear that the public need as much clear and uncluttered information as possible to understand the part they can play in stopping this virus spreading."

There will be no news of the current death toll or number of infected cases, after listener feedback suggested this frightens people and causes them to disengage from the vital information they need to know.

It also features regular spots with psychotherapist Lucy Beresford, who offers advice on coping with self-isolation, anxiety and the impact self-isolation may have on families and relationships.

Content for the programming is all recorded from home studios and uploaded into a central play-out system in West Sussex.

Health Information Radio is available to stream online at www.healthinforadio.co.uk and via the TuneIn radio app.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.