Presenter profiles

His 'radio' career began at the age of eight, playing disc-jockeys on an old Dansette record player at home.

"The best piece of audio kit ever made" was, he admits "a chunky old turntable with a rubber mat and a stylus the size of Belgium - I still think they were the best shows I've ever done".

He joined the BBC as a radio reporter in the 1980s.

Highlights

Broadcasting highlights included wearing Elton John’s giant boots from the movie 'Tommy' and having to eat grilled alligator steaks at 7:30am, live on-air.

More recently he chased after Hollywood actress Elizabeth Hurley in the grounds of Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe - in pursuit of an interview, of course. At least that's his story.

You may recognise him from the numerous audience-based shows he has presented over the years.

He has travelled to every part of Gloucestershire to present 'The Calor Quiz', 'Gloucestershire Question Time' and 'Gardeners' Questions'.

Then there were the famous BBC Radio Gloucestershire Variety Shows in Gloucester and Cheltenham which raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

Brian Bailey

Gob on a stick

"They needed a compere and I looked like a gob on a stick, so that was that," he says.

Vernon is a history buff, a Beatles fan, he collects old wireless sets and can't resist looking around second-hand book shops.

He loves lemon meringue pie, hates surly shop assistants and his favourite record is 'Here, There and Everywhere' by the Fab Four.

His ambition is to live in a lighthouse, although he admits it’s unlikely as there aren't too many in Gloucestershire.