Peter Cockroft - BBC London

BBC London weather forecaster Peter Cockroft was born in Yorkshire.

He was educated at Swanage Grammar School, Farnborough College of Technology and Oxford Polytechnic where he studied physics.

He joined the Met Office in 1974, working as a weather observer at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

In 1978, Peter transferred to the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough, firstly as an observer and later as flight leader on the Met Office's Hercules flying laboratory, monitoring weather conditions in the atmosphere.

Peter moved across to weather forecasting in 1990, specialising in forecasting for the armed forces. His first posting was to RAF Brize Norton.

In 1991 he joined the BBC national TV forecasting team, making his first appearance on screen in July of that year.

During his 11 years at Television Centre, Peter presented the weather on the BBC's national and international services on both television and radio.

He also broadcast weather bulletins to service personnel and their families overseas on the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

Peter joined BBC London in 2002 and can be seen forecasting the weather for the capital on the two main news programmes at lunchtime and in the evening. He also keeps Londoners up to date with the weather on the radio and online.

Peter lives in Oxfordshire with his wife and daughter. He is keen on most forms of sport, especially sailing. He has competed in two Fastnet yacht races and has sailed across the Atlantic.

A Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society and a member of the Royal Television Society, his other interests include travel, walking, cycling, theatre, music, photography and food.