Award-winning BBC television and radio presenter Dianna Oxberry has died at the age of 51.

She died at Manchester’s Christie Hospital on Thursday 10 January following a short illness.

Dianne was the main weather presenter on North West Tonight and fronted Inside Out North West, the BBC’s regional current affairs programme.

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She had two children with her husband Ian Hindle. He 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. 

“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.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “Dianne Oxberry, the weather presenter on North West Tonight, has died after a short illness. This very sad news has come as a huge shock to everyone at the BBC in the North West. Our thoughts are with Dianne’s family.”

Fellow North West Tonight presenters Roger Johnson and Annabel Tiffin said they were shocked by the news.

Roger Johnson 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.”

Annabel Tiffin 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. Onscreen 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.”

Steve Saul, from Preston, who is also a presenter and journalist at BBC North West Tonight, tweeted: “I’m sorry to tell you that our lovely friend and colleague, Dianne Oxberry, died yesterday after a short illness.

“The kindest, caring, funny most obliging person you could meet. Just the same on screen as off. I learnt so much from her at @BBCRadioManc & @BBCNWT – thank you.”