BARRY Amateur Radio Society (BARS) has struck gold, after being awarded a £4,795 grant through the Big Lottery Fund's Awards For All programme.

The club has used the money to buy new equipment, which will allow members to broadcast all over the world over a range of frequencies.

It comes after BARS was chosen as the official Welsh amateur broadcaster for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and was awarded the unique call sign of 2O12W.

And from July 23 to September 9, the society will be moving to the promenade at Barry Island, to give residents and visitors the chance to send 'Good Luck' messages to countries around the world competing in events.

Glyn Jones, Chairman of BARS, runs the voluntary radio station from Sully Sports and Social Club.

"This grant is very important," he said.

"It has allowed us to buy a complete radio show in a box - one radio that does everything. It has helped us to take new strides into the digital age.

"Most of the radios are analogue now, but the grant has allowed us to take a leap forward into the 21st century and train young people."

Glyn, a member of BARS for over 30 years, said he was proud the club had been chosen as official Welsh amateur broadcaster for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"It's something unique and will never happen again in my lifetime or in the history of the club," said the 75-year-old.

"Lots of other clubs wanted it and we were really excited to be chosen. We are representing the nation.

"Anyone can come to our radio station on the promenade from July 23 to September 9, and we will allow them to talk and give messages to countries around the globe," he added.

"We have picked up the baton and want to communicate to the world through radio!"

Once the Olympics are finished, the society members will use the equipment to teach and train the next generation of broadcast enthusiasts.

"We will be encouraging people to get in contact, and we will train them in amateur radio and get them through the test so they can become fully licensed radio amateurs," said Glyn.

For more information about Barry Amateur Radio Society go to: http://bars.btck.co.uk/