Former Tyne Tees presenter Kathy Secker dies aged 70

Former Tyne Tees and Radio Newcastle presenter Kathy Secker has died, her family has announced.

Kathy, 70, moved into television in 1979 when she won a competition to be the new face of Tyne Tees.

She left the station in 1985 before returning five years later. In 1993, she became chief announcer alongside Bill Steel.

Kathy presented 'Tonight' in 1996 and several programmes, including 'Kathy & Co', for Tyne Tees until she joined the BBC in 1998.

She was loved by a generation of viewers as the presenter of the birthday slot announcing celebratory messages from viewers twice a day.

Kathy, who was born in Bedlington, Northumberland was a fundraiser for Sunderland Hospice.

She worked as a fashion model and appeared in commercials, but always said that her children were her proudest achievement.

She had two children, two stepchildren and two grandchildren. Her daughter Jayne followed in her mother's footsteps becoming a presenter on Sky News.

Kathy Secker died at her home in Jesmond earlier this week.