BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Richard Nankivell has died at the age of 75 after a short illness, the station announced on Facebook. The broadcaster, known for his distinctive style, spent over two decades at the station before retiring in April 2015.
Tributes from listeners flooded social media, with many describing him as a 'legend' and 'amazingly talented'. One fan wrote: 'I listened to him every night on the radio. One of the best presenters. Radio Cumbria isn't the same anymore.' Another recalled his work on BFBS (Forces Radio) in the 1970s, calling him and his colleague 'a great pair'.
Born in Bideford, North Devon, Nankivell initially trained as a livestock auctioneer before joining the British Forces Broadcasting Service in 1972. He presented and produced programmes for HM Forces in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Germany, Belize, the Falklands and the Gulf, and even provided commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest four times in four different countries.
After 20 years abroad, he returned to the UK in 1992 and joined BBC Radio Cumbria, where he became a beloved figure. The station said he would be 'remembered fondly by listeners across Cumbria and beyond'.
