"This is a very special year for the Student Radio Awards in many ways. For starters it's our 10th Anniversary Ceremony, marking a decade since the first Awards launched with the help of Radio 1 back in 1996. But also this year we're pleased to welcome back many former winners and nominees, who we're delighted to have enlisted among our prestigious panel of judges. For me this speaks volumes about the success and respect the Awards have earned over the past 10 years. Not only has the event now become a major showcase for radio industry talent-spotters looking for the future stars of presentation and production. But we can feel at least a little pleased with ourselves for helping several key radio figures on their way already.

Who would have thought that would have been the case back in '96 when myself and Jo Whiley presented the first ever Student radio Awards in the bar of the University of London Union - alongside then Radio 1 controller Matthew Bannister. Around 150 entries were received in the first year - a figure that's now almost quadrupled with just under 400 entries in 2005 - while the first awards themselves were dispensed from a trestle table, hastily set up in front a few rows of chairs.

After last year's fantastic event in Shepherd's Bush, we're hoping about 600 people will join us for this year's Student Radio Oscars...Ten award ceremonies on and we are incredibly indebted to Radio 1 and current controller Andy Parfitt for the station's ongoing support of the Student Radio Association's Awards - while also welcoming respected representatives and sponsors from throughout the BBC and the ever-growing commercial sector.

Of the past winners, student radio faces have turned up everywhere from Radio 1 to 5Live, plus EMAP, GCap, Chrysalis and Virgin.

Who knows? Next year it could be you. Good luck and see you in November. We hope this year's Awards will be the best one yet. And we promise....not a trestle table in sight."

Steve Lamacq

Chair, Student Radio Awards

Steve presents Lamacq Live, BBC Radio 1 & Weekdays 4-7pm BBC 6Music.