ONE of BBC Radio Solent’s most popular presenters has been given the push after almost half a century.

Nick Girdler’s contract has not been renewed in a move which has angered his thousands of fans, who say they have been left “saddened and dismayed”.

The 68-year-old freelancer, who had presented programmes on Solent since 1972, hosted his final show yesterday.

Writing on his Facebook page he said: “I’m not going because I want to, I’m going because they want me to.

“Much as the BBC say they always listen to the audience don’t believe everything you hear on the radio.

“They say they want to encourage a ‘new’ audience. I think they’re just ignoring the one they’ve already got.”

Speaking from his home in Titchfield Nick told the Daily Echo: “I’m on a rolling contract and received an email giving me only ten days’ notice, which was a real bombshell.

“I’ve always looked forward to Sundays and the thing I’ll miss most is the listeners, who are stunningly good.”

Nick, who is chairman of Titchfield Village Trust and a director of the community centre, added: “Something inside me says I’ve got a lot coming up in the next few years. Titchfield is a very tight-knit community and I’ll get more involved in that side of things.”

One of Nick’s most devoted fans is Margaret Amy, 71, of Shirley, Southampton, who described him as “the best presenter Radio Solent has ever had”.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Nick Girdler has contributed greatly to the success of BBC Radio Solent over the past decades and we would like to thank him whole-heartedly for his contribution to broadcasting.

“We have decided to change the line-up on Sunday mornings and Nick’s show on February 24 will be his last one.”