It is with great regret that we announce that Raymond Baxter, the original presenter of BBC's Tomorrow's World, has passed away at the age of 84.

The pioneering presenter hosted the show for 12 years from 1965 onwards and was an inspiration to science 'buffs' and enthusiasts everywhere. But many would have more than just fond memories the quintessential way in which he presented this iconic BBC show...

From such disparate experiences as hair-raising escapes at the controls of a Spitfire over Sicily and occupied Holland to speaking to the nation while suspended in a box near the roof of Westminster Abbey, Raymond Baxter had endless tales to tell. Baxter also commented at Sir Winston Churchill's funeral as well as the first Concorde flight. He was often dubbed 'the voice of motor racing'.

A renowned Formula 1 Grand Prix commentator, he also competed in and reported on fourteen consecutive Monte Carlo Rallies and thirty Farnborough Air Shows where, as a veteran combat pilot, he flew a Harrier on two occasions. In 2003 he was awarded an OBE.

His critically acclaimed autobiography - Tales of My Time (written in collaboration with racing driver and journalist Tony Dron) - was published in 2005 by Grub Street Publishing. A paperback edition of the book is scheduled for release in spring 2007.

Mr Baxter, who was born in Ilford, Essex, died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, with his daughter Jenny Douglas and son, Dr Graham Baxter at his side.