Piccadilly Radio 50 years on: From radio boss in 'terrorism' arrest to Chris Evans' sacking

This year will see a landmark anniversary for one legendary Manchester radio station.

Generations of Mancunians once tuned in to Piccadilly Radio - founded nearly 50 years ago, on April 2, 1974. Although the station is no more, having been split into two services in 1988 - Key 103 (now Hits Radio) and Piccadilly Gold ( now Greater Hits Radio Manchester)] - at one time the station was a hugely popular part of listeners' daily lives across the North West.

Piccadilly Radio is now regarded as a trailblazing radio station - one whose presenters went on to become stars and national names such as Chris Evans, Timmy Mallett, Susie Mathis and Mark Radcliffe. Ahead of the celebrations later this year, a 'tell all' book, looking back behind the scenes of the station, has been written by its former producers, Tony Ingham and Brian Beech.

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The book - 'For The Record' - came out in October last year and looks back at the station's early days, with anecdotes provided by the station's former employees and DJs. An audio book version, narrated by long-time Piccadilly Radio DJ, Pete Baker, is also in the works.

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In the book, Tony describes trying to control Mallett on air was "akin to harnessing nuclear power... so they didn't bother." Chris Evans is quoted in 'For The Record' as saying: "Timmy really was a genius. I still think about watching him work. He was truly insane, but for all the right reasons."

Tony Ingham, originally from Middleton and now based in Saddleworth, joined Piccadilly Radio as promotions manager prior to its launch in 1974 and spent 11 years at the