Radio enthusiast at risk of losing lifelong hobby

A 92-year-old man has lost a battle with Stockton Council to keep an antenna in his garden that allows him to talk to fellow radio enthusiasts.

Ray Pratt, who uses a wheelchair, spends much of his time chatting to people via his home amateur radio setup.

"It's all good and we can spend hours talking, radio is my life," he said with a smile.

Stockton Council instructed Ray to apply for planning permission for the poles that hold up the antenna, which was subsequently denied.

Ray, who has an opportunity to appeal against the decision, said he would be lost without his radio.

The council said it had a duty to investigate all breaches of planning and the masts were refused due to their visual impact and harmful effect on neighbours.

Video produced by Alex Challies & Adam Clarkson.