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The trumpet might have been Paul's introduction to music, but we reckon the people living within ear-shot must have been overjoyed when he bought his first record - The Champ by the Ted Heath Orchestra.

Paul Barnes

There was no TV when Paul was growing up, but he enjoyed listening to Children's Hour on the radio.

His early affair with the trumpet served him well as Paul played in art school jazz band, The Weary City Stompers - WC for short.

His first job was as an assistant in a photographic shop, but the media soon called as Paul grew up to enjoy a life working in publishing, advertising, documentary films, radio and television.

That job in the photographic shop did earn him enough money though to buy his first car, a 1933 Austin Seven.

All-rounder

Paul has worked on Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4, in addition to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ World Service and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Local Radio for the Eastern Counties - he was also the first reporter on Radio 1's Newsbeat. TV credits include The Village Show, Anything Goes and Folio, all for Anglia.

Paul also worked for Granada, Central and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TV and has written for many newspapers including the Observer, the Guardian, Punch and various regional papers.

These days he claims that there are too many films, TV shows and songs for him to pick a favourite, but he does draw the line somewhere – the worst present he ever received was a Celine Dion CD.

Perhaps this underlines his worst habit – candour!

Romance

A romantic at heart, Paul's favourite colour is the pearly blue of a dawn sky - although he claims he's still waiting for his first snog!

An easy man to please, Paul's his favourite place in the world is anywhere without mobile phones.

Obviously very fit, Paul reveals his favourite meal is sea food and that he always takes the stairs!

Fact file

Starsign: Leo

Grew up in: Coventry

First job: Photographic assistant

First car: 1933 Austin Seven

First ever record: The Champ, Ted Heath’s Orchestra (78 rpm)

Favourite things

There are too many rich and wonderful elements, so it’s impossible to single out one in any category, including best and worst moments on air (I have been in this business for 38 years!)