4BR has been informed that former presenter of the Bandstand radio programme, Michael Fryer, has died following a four-year battle with cancer.

The popular programme was broadcast in the north-east on Radio Teesdale, and featured music, reports from competitions, and reviews of performances from across the region.

Followers

It also attracted some influential followers, including Ken Livingstone and the late Tony Benn, who appeared on the Durham Miners’ Gala special.

Michael presented the programme with wife Val, who died last year. They were both diagnosed with the disease within days of each other in 2010.

He was also well known in the north-east as the proprietor of Barnard Castle Book Sale, which was a major tourist attraction in the town of Barnard Castle, drawing in hundreds of thousands of shoppers each year.

Promoted tourism

He and Val devoted much of their working life to promoting tourism in their local area. In 1987, they developed the Dickens-in-Teesdale group to highlight the author’s connection to their local area.

Val and Michael also presented many other radio programmes, including the ‘Music for the Vintage Generation’ show.

Masters degree

Despite having left school at 14 with no formal qualifications, Michael gained a Masters degree in Radio Production and Management from Sunderland University at the age of 67.

He went on to found Bishop FM, which now broadcasts across Weardale, near Durham.

Despite having left school at 14 with no formal qualifications, Michael gained a Masters degree in Radio Production and Management from Sunderland University at the age of 674BR

Funeral

Seven members of Reeth Brass Band will play at Michael’s funeral, which will be held at St Giles Church, Bowes, Co Durham on Monday, October 13, at 1:30pm.