Another Lancashire broadcasting legend has left BBC Radio Lancashire.

Gary Hickson presented his final Sunday afternoon programme on BBC Radio Lancashire, based in Blackburn, on Sunday, October 29, after more than 30 years working at the radio station.

Gary, known by his listeners as ‘Gaz’ and ‘Gazza’, also presented a Saturday morning programme and a Soul Show on the station.

He started at BBC Radio Lancashire as a specialist music contributor to the afternoon programme and presented the drivetime programme.

He joined BBC Radio Lancashire Sport in 1992 and then moved onto his weekend shows.

Saying goodbye to his listeners on yesterday’s show, Gary said: “How the years fly, guys thank you, it is hard to keep it together.

“Thank you so much for your time, thanks for being here all the way through, whatever programmes have been on we have got lots of memories.

“Thanks a lot, it has been an absolute gas.

“All this stuff about leaving has gone on for about 18 months for a lot of people in the BBC and it has been quite a lot of pressure to try to come on air sometimes and just say hello when you have no idea where you are going or what's going on.

“Finally, I have got to get out of here.”

In his final words on the show, Gary said: “It has been a gas, I am out of here, thank you and b-bye.”

Tributes were paid to Gary across social media.

Maria Felix Vas, a colleague of Gary’s at BBC Radio Lancashire took to X and said: “An emotional day as yet another legend at @BBCLancashire hung up his headphones and did his last show today.

“Good luck in your retirement Gary! You’ll be missed.”

Football Commentator and Presenter on Talk Sport, Nigel Adderley, took to X formerly known as Twitter yesterday afternoon, stating: “Honoured to be part of Gary Hickson’s final show @BBCLancashire alongside Guy Havord, Dave Farrar and @simonhill1894 to pay tribute to a legend and reminisce about working there in the 90s.

“Local Radio will be much the poorer for his departure alongside so many other talented people.”

Gary’s departure comes just weeks after another BBC Radio Lancashire legend, John Gillmore, left. 

Gilly's departure from BBC Radio Lancashire's Late Show came at a tumultuous time for local radio as changes are made to the way certain shows are broadcast.

The overhaul leaves local stations like Radio Lancashire left with eight hours of programming dedicated to their own patch on weekdays.

Shows at other times are to be shared across regions, such as Radio Cumbria.

Local news bulletins will remain the same, as will sport. 

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.