A RETIRED butcher has been plucked from obscurity to present a weekly radio show on BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Vic Kidgell beat strong competition from more than 1,400 applicants to win the BBC Talent - New Voices for Local Radio competition.

He joins three other people across the country who have won a six-month contract to present a weekly slot from Spring, 2002.

"I feel like a 56-year-old school leaver," said Vic, of Little Lakes, Bewdley.

"When I was told I had won I was overjoyed, and I am looking forward to the New Year and the challenges ahead."

Vic has a real passion for radio and has appeared live on the station in the past.

For the competition he presented a piece for Hereford & Worcester's Children in Need coverage, which was later submitted for the final judging.

Vic spent 16 years as a butcher in Clows Top before retiring in September.

Since then he has been busy writing a book about his early life. He is also a member of a busy theatre group.

"Vic's personality and sense of humour immediately stood out, and he has got a real love of the area and a genuine interest in people," said James Coghill, managing editor, BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"We think that he's got the potential to be a successful broadcaster."