TRIBUTES have been paid to radio presenter, fund raiser and stalwart of the World Pie Championships in Barnoldswick, James Wilson, who has died suddenly, writes Stuart Clarkson.

James’ wife , Judith, shared the news on Facebook that he had passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday morning. In total he spent more than 25 years working on air as a presenter and news reader across a number of stations covering North Yorkshire, including Stray FM, Yorkshire Dales Radio, Fresh AM and Drystone Radio, based in Cowling.

Community station Dales Radio, posted a tribute from James’ former colleague Julian Hotchkiss: “I am very sad to announce the passing away of my old breakfast co-host and newsreader from a few years ago.

“James Wilson was a part of many people’s lives in the Dales for many years breaking news like the launch of the Calendar Girls and covering the foot and mouth epidemic.

A tribute aired on the station on Friday morning, last week: “After a spell at AA Roadwatch, James was one of the original team behind Restricted Service Licences (RSL) in the early 90s which went on win the commercial radio licence for Harrogate – and he was on air as a presenter when it launched as Stray FM in 1994.

He was one of the directors of the company which then won the licence for Skipton and the Dales – and was company secretary, news editor and a daily presenter on Yorkshire Dales Radio from its launch in 1997. The station rebranded as Fresh AM in 1999, and James remained with the station until its sale in 2012.

Since 2012 James presented a weekly show for community station Drystone Radio, and also created its daily local news bulletins. His final bulletin, pre-recorded just hours before his death, aired during the day on Thursday on Drystone.

Mark Reason, former Managing Director at Fresh AM, told RadioToday: “James had one of the best voices on radio. You knew within seconds of tuning in that James Wilson was on the air. I worked with him at Stray FM, Fresh AM and before that on an RSL called Nidd FM based in a caravan at the back of his house in the Yorkshire Dales. James was 100 per cent a radio man. James was the host of ‘Solid Gold Sunday’ and also the anchor of our local news. It sounds strange today but he was equally credible as an old school rock DJ and a local journalist.”

James was heavily involved in local community projects, including the Craven Police Community Fund. Sgt Paul Cording from North Yorkshire Police wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely devastated to hear my dear friend @JamesWilson1413 has passed away. A true gentleman in so many ways who did so much for the local community @CravenPoliceCF & @drystoneradiouk. Sleep well my friend, my thoughts are with his wife Judith, his wider family & friends #RIP”

Skipton based traffic police officer, Andrew Ingham, posted: “Sad to hear the shock passing of a guy who I regarded as a friend having met through work. @JamesWilson1413 @drystoneradiouk such a shock and with everything that’s going on in the world the last thing I expected. Sleep well. Best wishes to your family and friends #rip”

James also featured heavily in a Yorkshire Television documentary about Yorkshire Dales Radio, filmed in late 1997 and broadcast in early 1998.

Barnoldswick councillor, Cllr David Whipp said: “James Wilson’s marvellous radio voice will be sadly missed. As well as his radio work, James provided the voice overs for several community video productions and announcements for Bands On The Square.

“Through his charity quizzes with Judith, he raised thousands of pounds for local voluntary groups and charities. James helped put Barnoldswick on the map by registering the town as the venue for the World Pie Championships and worked with the town council on producing several food festivals in the town.

“ James was one of the founders of community litter-picking in Barnoldswick and helped clear up after local events. He was always willing to help with community ventures and a great support to the local council and other organisations.

“My heart goes out to Judith and Chris at their loss during this very difficult time.”