Brian was born in New Zealand and began his broadcasting career there in the 1960s.

He came to Britain in 1964 and soon began announcing and newsreading for the BBC.

During this time he also studied music part-time - and in 1969 he returned to New Zealand to play the double bass with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Nine years later he was back in Britain and has been with Radio Four ever since. Brian has also made frequent appearances on radio comedy progammes.

I fell in love with radio at an early age Brian Perkins

When not at work Brian's spare time is taken up with gardening, restoring an old Mark Two Jaguar, and playing the double bass.

 Click here to listen to Brian Perkins talk about his career