Beccy Barr: Former BBC TV presenter and firefighter dies

Roger Johnson, who presents BBC North West Tonight, said: “Beccy was courageous in so many ways.

“In the way she faced her illness, of course, but she also had the courage to walk away from a successful TV career to retrain as a firefighter.

“She wanted to make a difference and she excelled at that, too.”

He added his thoughts were with her family.

Ms Barr was a member of LFRS’s Red Watch in Blackburn.

The fire service said it was “deeply saddened” to hear the news, adding: “Beccy was a dedicated and courageous firefighter who served with professionalism and compassion.

“She was an enthusiastic and warm person who became an inspiration to many.”

Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith was among hundreds paying tribute on social media, the Labour MP said Ms Barr “made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match”.

Chris Brindley, editor of BBC North West, said Ms Barr was a “much-loved part of the team”.

He added: “Those who worked with Beccy will remember her as an inspiration and those who watched her will remember her as a really talented journalist and presenter.”

Ms Barr was a Girlguiding leader for many years, most recently running a Rainbow unit at St Paul’s in Scotforth.

She was also active in the triathlon community, having participated in IronmanUK and several long-distance athletic events.

Ms Barr is survived by her much-cherished daughter, Hannah.