Presenter in final news broadcast
BBC presenter Linda Wray - famed for her mellifluous tones as a newsreader - will broadcast her final news bulletin for Radio Ulster on Saturday.
Linda has been presenting the news on the station since the 1970s, relating atrocities during the Troubles, through to the various ceasefires and the rocky establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
She has decided to retire after preparing and reading the news to the Province and beyond for more than 30 years.
And as she vacates the microphone, the Lyric Theatre in Belfast is hoping that she takes up the acting career that she left on her appointment to the BBC.
Well-known actor Dan Gordon said: "Linda's voice is unique. She played everything from Lady Macbeth to a Indian girl from the stage of the Lyric, and when the theatre was demolished last year for replacement, she came and read the Yeates poem 'The Wild Swans at Coole'. It was magnificent. What a voice!"
Kathleen Carragher, Editor Radio News, BBC Radio Ulster, said: "Linda has one of the best voices in broadcasting. She has been a wonderful person to work with over the years and has always been a valued member of the BBC Radio Ulster news team.
"She has worked on some of the busiest news days in Northern Ireland covering the Troubles, the peace process and the return of devolution.
"Throughout this she has delivered her bulletins with an unwavering warmth and clarity. She has become a very familiar voice to our listeners over the years and I'm sure they will miss Linda every bit as much as we will. We wish her every success and happiness in the future."
Peter Johnston, Controller BBC Northern Ireland, commented: "For many, Linda's voice has been one of the most enduring and familiar on BBC Radio Ulster. She has been on air for many of the pivotal events in Northern Ireland and has always kept her calm and her professionalism. She has played a key role in BBC Radio Ulster's history and I wish her all the best for the future."
Linda was born in Bangor, Co Down, and attended the Bangor Central Primary School and Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
