A charity television channel is appealing for firms to switch on with sponsorship and help keep it in business.

Colchester Hospital TV - which has been operating for eight years - produces video tapes which go out to hospitals and care homes throughout Colchester and Tendring.

The volunteer station comes up with 55 two-hour tapes five to six times a year, full of soft news and features.

However, without a sponsor for its latest production, it had to come up with the cash itself.

Station manager Paul Diggens said: "We are desperate for help in running CHTV. We are currently looking for help with programme tapes later in the year which benefit our 3,000 viewers across north-east Essex."

All tapes are distributed on a free-issue basis to 50 homes and hospitals via Essex Libraries Housebound Service.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor should contact Mr Diggens on 01206 824100.

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