Tributes have been paid to the BBC weather presenter Dianne Oxberry who has died after a short illness.

Dianne's career spanned over 20 years, in which time she worked reading weather bulletins on BBC Radio Lancashire, North West Tonight, BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Two alongside Simon Mayo and Steve Wright. 

She was also the host of the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards for a number of years.

The 51-year-old died at Manchester's Christie Hospital on Thursday.

BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Graham Liver paid tribute to the mother-of-two on his breakfast show on Friday morning, saying: "It is just shocking. We have had a little longer to comprehend the news than the public and we are all shocked by the loss of our much-loved colleague.

"Every night she was in our living rooms as we were having our tea. She was a brilliant broadcaster and always had a smile on her face."

North West tonight presenter Roger Johnson broke down in tears speaking to Liver this morning as he recalled many of the happy memories he shared with the late broadcaster.

He said: "We are heartbroken by Dianne's death. It is almost impossible to comprehend. Dianne was North West Tonight. It's hard to imagine the programme without her.

"Our thoughts are with Ian and all of Dianne's family. We hope they will find some comfort in the knowledge so many people loved Dianne and will miss her terribly."

Dianne's husband, Ian Hindle, said: "Dianne was an amazing wife and mother who embraced life to the full. She was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her but also to the people who watched and welcomed her into their homes each night as if she were part of their family too."

Mr Hindle, a camera operator, added: "She will leave a massive void in our lives but, because of the remarkable person she was, she will forever live on in our hearts. The children and I will miss her more than anyone can imagine."

Sunderland-born Oxberry joined North West Tonight after studying at the Met Office College.

She also presented a number of programmes on BBC Radio Manchester, including the Breakfast Show.

Annabel Tiffin, also a presenter North West Tonight, said: "This is an enormous shock for all of us. I can scarcely believe Dianne has died. She was loved by our viewers, by all of us at North West Tonight. My heart breaks for her family.

"Di was so talented, so beautiful, so funny and so full of life. On screen she was a star, radiating warmth and good humour. Off screen, she was a wonderful colleague, a loyal friend, and I will miss her terribly."