TO Bardon Mill folk he was the life and soul of the village’s annual conker championship, carnival, and other community events.

But beyond the village where he lived for 22 years, Tony Bannister was a nationally acclaimed television man, working for the BBC on graphics and set design.

During a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years, he made substantial contributions to shows such as Byker Grove , the Sunday Politics programme, and Look North news bulletins. Earlier this year, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Royal Television Society.

Now ex-colleagues, including newscaster Carol Malia, are among a list of TV personalities who have paid tribute to a man who lost his battle with cancer at the end of August, aged 68.

Born in Derby, Tony joined Yorkshire Television after attending art college, and moved to the North-East around 1969 to work for the BBC.

Based in Newcastle, he was responsible not only for programme titles and captions, but also set design, working on a wide range of drama, political and light entertainment shows, as well as children’s television.

It was Tony who designed the opening title sequence for the highly successful Byker Grove , which ran from 1989 to 2006, and more recently made an outstanding contribution to regional news, and current affairs programmes, Close Up North and Inside Out .

Olympic champion triple jumper and world record holder Jonathan Edwards, who presented Tony with the lifetime achievement award in February, described him as a “graphics wizard”, while ex BBC colleague Graeme Aldous, spoke of his much-loved personality and professional skills.

Look North presenter Carol Malia said: “I already miss Tony’s laid-back greeting as I walk into our graphics department.

“Tony’s experience and talent was unquestionable and we are less colourful without him.”

In 1993, Tony moved to Bardon Mill with his wife Geeta. The couple, along with their daughters Sophie and Anisha, became well known in the community.

Tony’s art skills came in useful at Bardon Mill Carnival, where he gave face painting services. He was also a keen competitor at the Bardon Mill Conker Championship, which he helped to organise.

Tony, who also leaves a son, Tom, was a keen sports enthusiast, and loyally supported his hometown football team, Derby County.

Geeta said: “Tony was a lovely man, and he always had something witty to say. Everyone who met him at one of the village events went away with a smile on their face. He loved the North-East and he was very well respected both at work and at home.

“He became a granddad for the first time last year – something which made him very proud.”

joseph.tulip@hexham-courant.co.uk