North East radio legend Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough has announced that he is quitting BBC Radio Tees at the end of the year.

This comes almost a decade since he broadcast and produced his first programme for the station.

Establishing a loyal fan base since his first show, bidding farewell to BBC Radio Tees it was not an easy decision for Goffy.

Goffy has revealed that he has signed his final contract with BBC Radio Tees.

The Northern Echo: Goffy attending a fan's birthday party in Darlington in November 2021Goffy attending a fan's birthday party in Darlington in November 2021 (Image: Goffy Media)

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Goffy said: “This year has marked my 30-year anniversary in broadcast media and back in the summer I held a party for some 300 listeners that have supported me along the journey and in my reflection speech I highlighted that it was in my mind to leave.

“At the start of this year I asked the bosses not to be considered for any other shows and highlighted my intention to concentrate on my Sunday show only and that really was the start of pulling it back and starting the process of my exit from the station.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Dan Thorpe who has supported me throughout the years even though changes to local radio have evolved. When presenting I have always just been myself and done things my way and Dan said that is what he wanted from the outset, if you have that connection then you know where you stand and I have loved that.

“I have written, produced and presented ten documentaries for the BBC Radio and I could never have imagined that when leaving English Martyrs School in Hartlepool with little or no qualifications. I hope my journey will inspire others that anything is possible regardless of your journey, I have shared chats with Dan regarding my departure and his sadness at me leaving but I always like to be in control of my own destiny.”

The Northern Echo: Paul 'Goffy' Gough and Tim HealyPaul 'Goffy' Gough and Tim Healy (Image: Goffy Media)

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Speaking about his future, Goffy said he has no plans to slow down.

“My business, Goffy Media, is really flying at the moment and played a very significant role in the huge success of the Tees Valley International Film Festival in Stockton with Tim Healy, Mark Benton and Bill Fellows at the weekend. I enjoy staging and hosting big named shows and many are planned ahead plus my PR and marketing work,” said Goffy.

Goffy added that his current contract runs until the end of 2022 and he is looking forward to his remaining Sunday shows which air between 2pm and 4pm.

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