LAVERNOCK beach hosted an historical recreation of the first wireless transmission by Guglielmo Marconi which was sent from Flatholm Island to Lavernock point, 118 years ago.

Although the first wireless signal was sent on May 11, it was on May 13 when Wales and England were linked by wireless, from Lavernock to Brean Down in Somerset.

The event on Monday (May 11) used a 'spark gap' transmission. Although it is illegal, it was allowed by Ofcom after much discussion as long as it was on low power.

A camera team representing S4C, along with historical and technical adviser Glyn Jones, gathered for the event while another team stationed on Flatholm island with the spark plug were watched by Ofcom.

Mr Jones is the chairman of the Barry amateur radio society.

Just after 3pm on a fine sunny day the team were ready and waiting on Lavernock beach for the signal to travel the 3.7 miles across the Bristol Channel.

He said: "At the appointed hour we waited and listened but heard nothing, just like Marconi did in 1897.

"So as in 1897, I suggested they lengthen the receivers antenna, which they did. Then just as on the 11th of May 1897, Eureka! The clear and unmistaken sound of the 'Spark Gaps Morse signal' Are you ready? came drifting across the stony beach."

He went on to say it was spooky to hear the sound on that beach 118 years to the day.

Mr Jones said: "It felt like Mr Marconi's ghost was there enjoying the experience and making it as real as possible by having us lengthen the aerial like he had too."

He will always remember those eyrie sounds coming from the speaker which had not been heard on that beach for over a century.

"To get Ofcom to agree for a "Spark gap" transmitter to fire up on Flatholm was amazing, as they are banned, and a very special license which is difficult to get is needed to use one."

He also highlighted how many lives must have been saved by the wonders of radio communication which was born in Wales.

The film is due to air on S4C in about four or five weeks time.