BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration has decided to leave the broadcaster after 42 years.

The presenter, who joined the BBC in 1978 and has presented Look North since 1982, will present his last show on Wednesday, October 21.

Following his decision to leave, his co-presenter, Amy Garcia, will continue as lead presenter.

Harry said: "For the past four decades, it's been a privilege to meet the people of the county I love. Make no mistake, these good folk are the heartbeat of the programme.

“I've worked with the best of the best and leave Look North in the good hands of Amy and the team, although I don't know how Paul Hudson is going to cope without me checking his forecasts! Seriously though, I'll miss my good old mate.

“I'm looking forward to some new broadcasting adventures and some special time with my family and a certain one year old!"

Helen Thomas, director of BBC England, said Harry was a “broadcasting legend”, adding: “He is a true professional, a Yorkshire treasure and it has been a privilege to work alongside him.”

Harry, who is Yorkshire born and bred, began filing match reports for the BBC while working as a history teacher in the mid 1970s. He joined BBC Radio Leeds as sports editor in 1978, before going on to commentate on the Olympics and Paralympics and present ionic shows such as Grandstand, Sportsnight and Match of the Day.

He has covered nine Olympic Games for the BBC and won two Royal Television Society awards for his sports documentaries: 'White Rose in Africa' in 1992 and 'Dickie Bird: A Rare Species' in 1997. He won the prestigious RTS Best Presenter award twice.

Co-presenter Amy Garcia said: “It has been an absolute honour to share the red sofa with Harry for the past seven years: a Yorkshire legend, a mentor and a dear friend.

“Look North is a family and Harry has been at the heart of it for so long. He will be missed by the whole team and our loyal viewers.“