Sir David Attenborough: Tributes paid as he turns 90

"Tributes have been paid to renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough who has turned 90.

Sir David joined the BBC after serving in the Royal Navy from 1947 to 1949 and launched Zoo Quest in 1954.

A string of successful natural history programmes followed including Life On Earth, The Living Planet, The Trials Of Life, The Blue Planet and Planet Earth.

Cameraman Gavin Thurston, who has worked with Sir David for many years, described him as "an amazing man".
BBC Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan said Sir David was the "god of wildlife programmes and presenters".
"He's up there and we are all really proud of him and have all been inspired by him," she said.
"And he is unbelievably intelligent, not just on wildlife but on many other subjects as well.
"I don't know anybody that doesn't like David Attenborough. I know lots of people that don't like us but everyone loves him."
Fellow presenter Chris Packham said: "He told us stories, that's the great thing."

Story/Picture from here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36242216#?foo=bar&


I'v always liked watching and listening to Sir David Attenborough ...
Have you

All the best Jan

'Boaty McBoatface' polar ship named after Attenborough

The UK's new polar research ship is to be named RRS Sir David Attenborough, despite the title "Boaty McBoatface" previously topping a public vote.
A website inviting name suggestions had attracted huge interest, with Boaty McBoatface the runaway favourite.

But Science Minister Jo Johnson said there were "more suitable" names.
On Friday, days before Sir David turns 90, it was announced that the £200m vessel will be named after the world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster.
Sir David said he was "truly honoured" by the decision.

The Boaty McBoatface effect
While the polar ship itself will not be named Boaty McBoatface, one of its remotely operated sub-sea vehicles will be named Boaty in recognition of the vote.

James Hand, who first suggested the flippant moniker, said he was pleased the name would "live on".

In a tweet, he also said that RRS Sir David Attenborough, which came fourth in the public vote, was a "fitting and excellent choice".

The science minister said: "The public provided some truly inspirational and creative names, and while it was a difficult decision I'm delighted that our state-of-the-art polar research ship will be named after one of the nation's most cherished broadcasters and natural scientists."
The ship would "put Britain at the forefront of efforts to preserve our precious marine environment," Mr Johnson added.
Prof Jane Francis is the director of the British Antarctic Survey, one of the principal users of the ship. She told BBC News: "We are delighted with the name RRS David Attenborough. He is an important public figure who has engaged and inspired the public over generations with his passion for the natural world.
"This new ship will be at the forefront of polar science and deliver world-leading capability for UK research in both Antarctica and the Arctic."

Sir David said that he hoped "everyone who suggested a name will feel just as inspired to follow the ship's progress as it explores our polar regions".
"I have been privileged to explore the world's deepest oceans alongside amazing teams of researchers, and with this new polar research ship they will be able to go further and discover more than ever before."

Story from here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36225652

Couldn't happen to a nicer fellow. I wonder how many ships will be named after Katie Hopkins?