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Former BBC weather forecaster remembered at funeral

BBC Craig Rich smiling towards the camera with the sea in the background.BBC
The funeral of Craig Rich was held at St Stephens Church in Saltash, Cornwall

Family and friends have paid tribute to the BBC's first regional weather forecaster at his funeral.

Craig Rich died aged 86 on 1 December after living an "amazing life".

His funeral was held on Monday at St Stephens Church in Saltash, Cornwall, where loved ones including former colleagues gathered to remember Mr Rich and celebrate his life.

Former Spotlight presenter Justin Leigh said: "It has been a day of reminiscing, a day to cry because it has been sad, but also a day of great happiness."

Justin Leigh stood to the right in front of the church at Craig Rich's funeral
Justin Leigh said people at the funeral shared memories of Craig Rich

Mr Rich joined the BBC Spotlight team in Plymouth in 1978 and held the position for 25 years.

"Lots of former colleagues from Spotlight have been here today and we have shared lots of memories of fun and games we got up to and oh boy did we get up to some fun and games," added Mr Leigh.

"Some on screen but a lot off screen as well so it has been a great way to remember Craig and celebrate his life and what a life."

Mr Rich's career also saw him take on the role of head of the Department of Shipping and Transport at Plymouth Polytechnic as a lecturer and tutor.

In 1968, he was navigation advisor to the Sunday Times for the Round the World Yacht Race.

Mr Rich leaves behind his wife Pat, to whom he was married for 62 years, and their three children Jo, Sarah and Thomas.

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