Sue Baker, one of many early presenters on long-running BBC motoring present Top Gear, has died on the age of 75.

The presenter and journalist, who had motor neurone illness (MND), died on Monday, her household stated.

Baker joined Top Gear in 1980, three years after its launch, and appeared in additional than 100 episodes.

She left in 1991, happening to arrange the Motor Racing News Service primarily based on the Brands Hatch race observe. She was additionally the Observer’s motoring editor.

A press release issued by her household on Monday stated: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of Sue’s passing. A doting mother to Ian and Hannah, a loving grandmother to Tom and George, and a wonderful mother-in-law to Lucy. She passed at home this morning with family around her.

“She was a proficient and prolific author, a charismatic TV presenter, and a passionate animal lover. She had a life and profession that many would envy, however did all of it with such grace that she was admired and revered by all who knew her. We know she meant a lot to so many.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported her over the last few years as she battled with MND.”

‘Feminist icon’

As one of many first ladies to current on Top Gear, following within the footsteps of the likes of Angela Rippon and Judith Jackson, Baker was thought-about a pioneer in her area.

“The entire Top Gear team are very saddened to hear about Sue,” a press release from the programme stated.

“She was an exceptional motoring journalist and a much-loved former presenter of the show. Our thoughts are with Sue’s family and friends at this time.”

Motoring editor and columnist Geraldine Herbert posted: “She was a wonderful person, a brilliant journalist, and a dear friend… she blazed a trail for women in a man’s world.”

The Guild of Motoring Writers, of which Baker was the vice-president and a former chair, stated: “Sue was a pioneer for women in automotive journalism.”

Fellow automotive knowledgeable and author Giles Chapman tweeted that Baker “should be hailed as a feminist icon”, as she was “the first woman to become a Fleet Street pro in car journalism”.

Baker’s household stated they’d share particulars of “how we will lay her to rest and celebrate her life and all her remarkable achievements in the coming days”.