A Tribute To...

John Craven was a boy's man, a real man, and Newsround just ain't the same without him. He was always there, every day, right in between Captain Caveman and Grange Hill.

Sitting behind the Newsround desk in a cool and woolly jumper, John was our link with the grown-up world, telling us and teaching us everything. He explained things we didn't understand, answering questions before they were asked. And he was versatile too! Oh yes he was! One minute he'd be talking about Fluffy and Puffy, the Chinese pandas who just couldn't get it on, and the next, about the space shuttle take-off. He finally signed off with Billy, the skateboarder's bull-dog. Taking care with all - stern but understanding.

I once got my hair cut just like him. I took a copy of the Radio Times to the barber and said, "I want it just like that," pointing to the black-and-white picture of John behind his desk. Unfortunately I lacked the flickers of white that were so prominent in his hair. It didn't look the same.

So, I'd like to thank you John, thanks for everything. We love you. Without you it's just not the same.

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