VETERAN broadcaster Harry Gration, for 38 years the familiar face of BBC’s Look North on television screens throughout the Yorkshire region, has joined The Yorkshire Society as vice president.

After an award-winning career in broadcasting, which included reporting on many dramatic events of national as well as regional importance for the BBC for almost four decades, Bradford-born Mr Gration, a former history teacher, has been welcomed into The Yorkshire Society. A not-for-profit organisation, it celebrates and promotes everything that is great about Yorkshire, including its economy, history, heritage and unique culture.

Mr Gration, who retired earlier this year after 42 years with the BBC on the day before his 70th birthday, was appointed an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2013. Last year he was made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

Accepting The Yorkshire Society invitation, he said: “I am very honoured to become a vice president of a society I treasure.

“Yorkshire means so much to me but particularly its folk. They are special. Kind, forthright, honest. Here in The Yorkshire Society we annually celebrate individuals and organisations that reflect that. Long may this continue. A privilege to be a part of it."