ONE of television's most influential programme makers is to turn his talents to radio to celebrate the new millennium with a programme of music and comedy from many of the 20th Century's greatest entertainers.

Clitheroe-born Bryan Cowgill will present a series on BBC Radio Lancashire called "The Cowgill Years of Entertainment" every day from Boxing Day to New Year's Eve.

Bryan was educated at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and in 1944 he became the Royal Marine Commando's youngest commissioned officer at the age of 18.

He started his television career with the BBC in 1955 and became head of BBC sport and launched famous programmes like Match of the Day and Grandstand.

As controller of BBC One he was in charge of the BBC's main channel for five years in the '70s. He then became chief of ITV's largest company, Thames Television, and also won many awards for outstanding television production, including three Baftas.

Bryan is now retired and lives with his wife in Bolton-by-Bowland, from where he created his series of six radio programmes.

Each programme has its own theme, and features music and performances from great entertainers including Gracie Fields and the Beatles.

He said: "It's been a labour of love as far as I'm concerned. I hope Radio Lancashire listeners will enjoy the shows because it's been a lot of fun making them."

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