Fred Dibnah was born

28th April 1938

Fred Dibnah MBE, born in Bolton, was a famous steeplejack and engineer, aswell as TV personality and steam enthusiast.

When presenting his own programmes, his blunt, no nonsense style made a welcome change from the so called television professionals. His genius lay in being able to communicate with the audience in simple, direct, colloquial English.

Dibnah died on 6 November 2004 aged 66, following a three-year battle with prostate cancer.