TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved radio presenter who has died after a short illness.

Terry Ferdinand was a popular personality on Bishop FM and his voice was the first heard by listeners when the station went full-time several years ago.

The 67-year-old had four shows on the station, including one dedicated to folk music which was listened to by fans from across the world.

His wife of 40 years Catherine said: “He loved the radio and even turned our cellar into a studio.

“We are all devastated by the loss.”

Mr Ferdinand was born in Portsmouth but his parents, who ran a fish and chip shop in the city, returned to their native Gateshead when he was just a year old.

After school and the Air Training Corps he worked in several glass factories in the region meeting his wife Catherine at one of them.

He then went on to manage the markets and organise events such as the Christmas lights switch on in Durham City before retiring seven years ago.

Mr Ferdinand’s son James said: “He used to say his retirement was the best time of his life because he got to do what he loved.”

Mr Ferdinand, a nature and history lover, joined Bishop FM seven years ago after seeing an advert in the newspaper.

As well as presenting, Mr Ferdinand became a technician and director and led many of the station’s outside broadcasts.

Bishop Auckland County Councillor Sam Zair said: “Terry went to every event, he was a keen supporter of everything positive in Bishop Auckland and he will be sadly missed.”

Mrs Ferdinand said: “He genuinely liked to help people.

“He was sociable and could make friends anywhere, he was good natured and so full of humour.”

Mr Ferdinand’s daughter Andrea said: “He liked to get the best out of people in his interviews and really cared about boosting the community.

“All the stories we remember about him have had us laughing.”

Mr Ferdinand, who was also a keen photographer, and his wife had three children, James, Nicholla and Andrea, and seven grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at St Wilfrid’s Church in Bishop Auckland tomorrow (June 5) at noon.

The family are asking for donations to be made in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research UK.

Bishop FM are also raising money for the charity in Mr Ferdinand’s memory, visit justgiving.com/Bishop-FM-Folk