Legendary Blue Peter editor dies at age of 92

Pioneer who moulded show

- By Jessica Coates and Hannah Roberts

THE pioneering producer who transformed Blue Peter into a national institution has died at the age of 92.

As editor of the children's show between 1965 and 1988, Biddy Baxter introduced ideas such as national appeals as well as the Blue Peter badge, and encouraged children to send in letters and pictures.

Peter Duncan, who was among the presenters in the 1980s, said Baxter had been “a true force of nature”.

The 71-year-old said: “She was a wonderful, inspiring person, and not just for her presenters, but for what she got on to BBC television, and the kind of things she projected about young people.

Enthusiast

“She was a true enthusiast and a supporter of young people.”