Tributes paid to BBC weather presenter Dianne Oxberry who's died aged 51

Dianne fronted the weather on North West Tonight for more than 20 years.

Author: Victoria GloverPublished 11th Jan 2019
Last updated 11th Jan 2019

Tributes are pouring in for much-loved weather presenter Dianne Oxberry who's passed away at the age of 51 just weeks after her last appearance on air.

The BBC confirmed the mum-of-two died after "a short illness'' and said the "very sad news has come as a huge shock to everyone at the BBC in the North West''.

We've been speaking to her broadcasting colleagues Roger Johnson and Annabel Tiffin.

Dianne worked alongside Simon Mayo and Steve Wright on Radio 1 before moving to North West Tonight in 1994.

A clip of BBC North West's "favourite moments'' of the weather presenter shows Oxberry getting a hug from Peter Kay after he crawled along the floor to interrupt one of her live forecasts.

Oxberry's husband, Ian Hindle, said she was an "amazing wife and mother who embraced life to the full.

"She was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her but also to the people who watched and welcomed her into their homes each night as if she were part of their family too.''

He said: "She will leave a massive void in our lives but, because of the remarkable person she was, she will forever live on in our hearts. The children and I will miss her more than anyone can imagine.''

Oxberry, who lived in Greater Manchester, also fronted regional current affairs show Inside Out North West. She also presented programmes on BBC Radio Manchester, including the Breakfast Show.

The Sunderland-born broadcaster joined North West Tonight after studying at the Met Office College.

We've been looking over the tributes coming in on Twitter...