Tributes paid to 'true trailblazer' of radio

Keen cyclist Sally Budden, 73, died after being involved in a crash with a black Ford Fiesta

Radio presenters have paid tribute to a "true trailblazer" of the airwaves who died after being involved in a crash while riding her bike.

Sally Budden was killed following a collision with a black Ford Fiesta on the B1106 in Brandon, Suffolk, shortly before 10:50 BST on 18 October.

The 73-year-old, from Elmswell, enjoyed a lengthy career in commercial radio in secretarial and managerial roles at the likes of Radio Orwell in Ipswich and Saxon Radio in Bury St Edmunds.

Since her death, many of her former colleagues have shared their fond memories describing her as "a pretty special person to work with"

'Calming influence'

Stephen Foster, a former presenter for BBC Radio Suffolk who worked with Ms Budden in the 1980s, said he would "always remember her smiling face".

"After six years in the Radio Orwell newsroom I moved across to the programmes department in 1988 and soon found myself as Sally's assistant," he said.

"Sally was an absolute delight to work with and for and I'll be forever grateful to her for the opportunities she gave me.

"In the often stressful world of radio, Sally was a calming influence and loved the office banter - she certainly gave as good as she got."

Former BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Stephen Foster has paid tribute to the late Sally Budden

Norman Lloyd also worked with Ms Budden during his time as a presenter at Radio Orwell, at Electric House in Ipswich, which was launched 50 years ago.

He said she was "teasingly known" as "Matron".

"Sally was a great lady who brought the best out of all those who worked for her," he said.

"She had a very difficult job to do as programme controller [but] she trusted her presenters to be the very best at what they could be.

"The world is a much sadder place without her."

Rachael Sloane, who also previously worked for BBC Radio Suffolk, said Ms Budden "loved her family and her cycling club friends".

"She would tell me about her hobby when we met for lunch or coffee when she came to Felixstowe to her hairdresser," she wrote online.

"She was always looking glamorous, reliable, efficient, she was a great listener, very funny and a super boss who gave me my first job in radio."

Kevin Stewart worked with Ms Budden at Radio Orwell, and later at Town 102.

"Sally was a great programme controller and a radio enthusiast through and through," he said.

"Working with her was so much fun and rewarding and I had no hesitation later in my career as CEO of Tindle Radio of offering her a directorship at Town 102."

'Absolutely heartbroken'

Ms Budden is survived by her sons, Rob and Andrew, who issued the family statement on Friday.

"We are absolutely heartbroken at the loss of our mum, Sally, and would like to thank the emergency services and members of the public for their incredible efforts on the day," they said.

"Mum brought fun, kindness and laughter to everyone who knew her, and we will all miss her so much."

After her death Suffolk Police launched an investigation, and officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.