Former BBC North West Tonight presenter turned firefighter Beccy ...

Tributes have been paid to former BBC presenter Beccy Barr who has died aged 46. The mum-of-one was a much-loved presenter on North West Tonight before bravely switching careers to become a firefighter in Lancashire.

She revealed on Christmas Eve last year she had been diagnosed with cancer. And her family today announced the news of her death, Lancs Live reports.

A social media post from Beccy's account said: "I'm sharing the very sad news that Beccy passed away peacefully this morning.

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"She spent her last few days at St John's Hospice in Lancaster. They provided the most dignified and compassionate care to Beccy and the whole family. Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy's memory."

Tributes have poured in from friends, former colleagues and viewers. BBC North West presenter Annabel Tiffin said: "This is such unbelievably sad news. Beccy was a feisty, fearless woman gone far too soon. Condolences to her family."

Fellow BBC newsreader Roger Johnson added: "Beccy was courageous in so many ways. Not least in choosing to leave a successful TV career to retrain as a firefighter. She excelled in that too. My thoughts are with her daughter and family."

The BBC's Elaine Dunkley said: "So sad to hear this. Beccy was jaw-dropping in a kind of superhero/supermodel kind of way.

"So clever, fierce, and incredibly kind. There was always that moment when Beccy would come in on a late shift and make you laugh. I was a total fan girl!"

Whilst Lancaster MP Cat Smith said: "I'm so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for all those who mourn her. She made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match."

Beccy started her career more than 20 years ago at the Blackpool Citizen and during a distinguished journalism career worked for Bloomberg News and CNBC. She joined North West Tonight in 2013 before moving to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before Covid, following in the footsteps of her father.

In December she wrote on X, formerly Twitter opening-up about her diagnosis saying: "Earlier this year I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. Two lessons I’ve learned from this distinctly sub-optimal experience: 1) Life is wild. 2) People have an utterly astounding and boundless capacity for love, care and friendship."