BBC Radio personality from the 1930s - 1960s
Began his career as a character actor in repertory theatre using the stages names Val Blanchard and Robert Blanchard.
One of the post-War trio of BBC TV in-vision announcers appearing from 1946 to 1956. Became one of Granadas first announcers and presenters. Re-appeared in November 1986 as an in-vision announcer on BBC Two, to celebrate TV50, the 50th anniversary of BBC Television.
He was related to Flora Macdonald.
Awarded TV Personality of the Year in 1953.
