DJ who blazed a trail for women

LEGENDARY broadcaster Annie Nightingale, the first female DJ on Radio 1, has died aged 83.

- Sarah O'Grady

Her family announced her death after a short illness yesterday, paying tribute to a "pioneer, trailblazer and inspiration to many".

The presenter joined Radio 1 in 1970, three years after it launched with an all-male line-up including the likes of John Peel. She went on to become its longest-serving host.

Known for promoting new and underground music, she was also praised for supporting other women in a male-dominated industry, paving the way for female DJs like Sara Cox, Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball.

Jo described her as "the coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves".