Ex-BBC Look North Journalist, Harry Gration has died suddenly, it was confirmed by the BBC today (Friday 24th June).
Announcing the sad news in a tweet, the BBC stated said: “Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration died suddenly today. We are absolutely heartbroken to give you this news.
“Tonight our hearts go out to Harry’s wife Helen, their children and all of Harry’s family and friends.”
Gration’s wife, Helen, paid tribute to her husband, saying: “He will forever be with us.”
She added: “Our three boys and I loved Harry totally. We had an awful lot of fun with him and our home was his life.”
Yorkshire royalty, Harry Gration’s last ever broadcast was on 21st October 2020. After 42 years at the BBC, the Yorkshire-born journalist took a step back and left his position at the BBC.
His departure followed cutbacks to regional programming by Helen Thomas, the director of BBC England, which meant Look North could only have one presenter.
Gration, who was 71 when he died, was born in Bradford and started his career as a sports broadcaster, commentating on rugby league for the BBC alongside a career in teaching history.
He joined the BBC full-time back in 1978 and eventually became an anchor for the regional new broadcast Look North.
Gration was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow…