MALMESBURY based radio presenter Ben Prater is broadcasting his BBC Wiltshire breakfast show live from his kitchen as he self isolates because of the coronavirus.

Ben has broadcast from all sorts of weird and wonderful places - an airport runway, an open top bus and an abandoned village on Salisbury Plain, to name a few.

But coming live from his own kitchen was not on his bucket list.

The presenter has opted to self-isolate because his wife has symptoms of the coronavirus.

“The show must go on,” said Ben, who lives in Malmesbury. “At first I was gutted I couldn’t come into work, but knew I had to do the responsible thing.

“Then I thought, if everyone else can work from home, why not me?

“Growing up in the ‘80s when mobiles were the size of suitcases I’m always amazed with what engineers can do nowadays. So I’ve set up a mini-studio in my kitchen which links to our proper studio in Swindon.

"Some people said I should soundproof my new 'studio' with egg boxes, but with all the panic buying going on that might not be possible!

“The biggest challenge is making sure my dog doesn’t bark while I’m on air.”

Ben’s first show was yesterday and he will be coming live from his home for the next two weeks until any danger of spreading the virus has passed.

He has assured listeners that he won’t be broadcasting wearing a dressing gown or pyjamas during the 6am to 9am show.

Ben is not the only presenter going beyond the call of duty at BBC Wiltshire.

James Thomas is self isolating after his girlfriend showed symptoms of the virus. He is managing the station’s Make a Difference feature, which gives listeners half hourly updates about the virus.

Tune in to BBC Wiltshire on 103.5FM, online or on the BBC Sounds app.