A POPULAR radio presenter will be back behind the microphone this week after overcoming serious health problems.

Mike Dillon, 70, is to present his Singers and Songwriters show on Celtic Music Radio for the first time in two years.

A heart attack in 2020, the Covid pandemic and another heart attack in September last year have kept the Paisley man off air until now.

However, following a full recovery, Mike can’t wait to get back broadcasting in Celtic Music Radio’s new studio based at Braehead shopping centre on 95FM.

He told The Gazette: “I’ve missed the excitement of being live on radio and the relationship you build with regular listeners who tune in from all over the world.

“They can be sure I’ll literally be putting my heart and soul into the shows from now on. I’ll be playing some really great songs from artists old and new.”

Mike, who is on air between 10pm and midnight on Fridays, will be playing tracks from his favourite singer-songwriters in the Americana, folk and country genres.

The former disco DJ and record store owner, who also served as a councillor in the Paisley Northwest ward between 2007 and 2012, hopes the story of his recovery can help and inspire other people who have serious heart problems.

He said: “The difference made to my life since I got the stent is staggering. From the minute I had it put in, all the chest pains and the breathlessness has disappeared.

“People should never give up hope of living a normal life again after having a heart problem if they listen to what the doctors tell them.

“We have some of the best heart specialists in the business in Scotland and I’m eternally grateful to them for saving my life.

“We should always have faith in the NHS and the dedicated staff who work in our hospitals. It’s something I treasure dearly.”