During her early twenties, Valerie was one of the top voice-over artists in television commercials, worked as an actress for five years in the theatre, fronted several television advertising campaigns and then became a household name presenting much loved television programmes including Blue Peter, Nationwide, Val Meets the VIPs, Tonight, Tonight in Town and the hard hitting Money Programme - and not forgetting the memorable Blue Peter Special Assignments, all for BBC Television, followed by PM for BBC Radio 4.

Additionally, she has made many guest appearances on the nation’s favourite TV shows and went on to present programmes on such diverse topics  as travel, history, alcohol abuse, violence in present day society and a game show.

She also presents Still Safe To Drive, a series of three videos for older drivers produced by GEM Motor Assist, and covering: the process of ageing; tips for staying safe to drive for as long as possible; and having the conversation about giving up driving.

Valerie's life’s work has been honoured twice, firstly by 'This is Your Life', which the public watched avidly and then being bestowed with an OBE, by Her Majesty the Queen.