BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale (MBE) has received a Guinness World Record for the "Longest Career as a Radio Presenter (female)."

The accolade in recognition of her 40 years at the station was presented to Annie by one of her favourite musicians, Liam Gallagher, on his birthday, at the Radio 1 studios in London this morning (Tuesday 21 September 2010).

Since Annie Nightingale became the first female DJ on Radio 1 in 1970 she has broken down barriers and paved the way for female presenters ever since.

From the start, Annie has been at the forefront of new and groundbreaking music in the UK, with a rare ability to move with the times and appeal to new audiences throughout the years.

From punk rock and new wave to acid house and modern breaks, bassline and drum & bass, Annie has brought the music of hundreds of artists and bands to millions of listeners – in her own irreverent style.‬

She was awarded the MBE in recognition of her services to broadcasting and she is the only woman to be inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.

Along with her status as Radio 1's longest serving presenter, Annie's career has taken her on the road with some of the most iconic bands in history, including The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Police. She continues to travel all over the world to DJ at international clubs and festivals, and is known as Queen of the Breaks for her championing of breaks, bass, beats and mixes in her current weekly Radio 1 show and beyond.

This award follows hot on the heels of Annie's Radio 1 Maida Vale tribute concert A Night with Annie Nightingale which featured performances from amongst others Paul Weller, Primal Scream, Professor Green and Fatboy Slim.

Annie Nightingale says: "When I took the wrong record off and caused eight seconds of dead air on my very first Radio 1 show, I thought that was the beginning and end of me. Since then I think it's been a case of keep cool and carry on."

Andy Parfitt, Controller, BBC Radio 1, says: "Annie is so important to Radio 1. Over the last 40 years she's connected effortlessly with generations of listeners and sustained amazing energy championing new music every week. This well deserved award underlines her importance as one of the UK's leading broadcasters."

Liam Gallagher, says: "Annie is a true icon of British Radio. She's been on Radio 1 since before I was born. Good on her for getting this record. I hope she's still here in another 40 years!"

Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief, Guinness World Records, adds: "Not only was Annie the first female DJ on BBC Radio 1, but her outstanding contribution to music over the years – and her continued relevance to listeners today – means that she is now also the longest-serving female presenter at the BBC, and indeed the world. From the Rolling Stones to Tinie Tempah, Annie has provided the soundtrack to so many of our lives, and looks set to do so for many more years to come."

Annie Nightingale is on BBC Radio 1, Fridays, 2-4am.

Notes to Editors

Annie Nightingale – four decades in music:

1965: Journalist and TV presenter
1970: Joins Radio 1 with a Sunday evening show 
1978: Becomes presenter of BBC Two's music show The Old Grey Whistle Test 
1980: Tours the world with The Police for a special music report 
1981: First autobiography, Chase The Fade, published 
1989: First DJ to play in Baghdad during Iran-Iraq war cease fire
1982: Begins hugely popular Radio 1 Sunday request show, which lasts for 12 years 
1994: Begins Radio 1 Saturday night dance show 
1996: Receives serious injuries from street attack in Cuba
1999: Second autobiography, Wicked Speed, published, with foreword from Trainspotting's Irvine Welsh 
2002: Receives MBE from HM The Queen for services to broadcasting 
2004: Inducted into Radio Academy Hall of Fame 
2005: Begins annual opening show at Glastonbury
2009: Releases acclaimed Electronica remixes of Lily Allen songs, including Not Fair
2010: Receives Best Radio Show Award for fifth year running at International Breakspoll Awards.

Source: BBC Press Office