BBC Devon presenter Tony Beard dies

Much-loved BBC Radio Radio Devon presenter Tony Beard has died, it was announced today.

Tony told his listeners that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in April last year.

A former Dartmoor farmer Mr Beard, 79, had been a presenter for about 35 years.

He was known to listeners as the "Wag from Widecombe".

Listener Gwen Ottery was among the first to post a tribute on the BBC Devon Facebook page.

She wrote: "So sad to hear this. I met Tony nearly thirty years ago when he opened a fete at Stoodleigh and have some lovely pictures of him when he opened a fete at Hay House Broadclyst when we chatted.

At the Radio Devon carol service two years ago I sat just behind Tony and all the presenters and he always came across just the same as he did on his radio show which I loved to listen to.

Sunday's will not be the same without Tony as he is unique and can never be replaced. Tony was a true gentleman of Dartmoor and Devon and will be missed so much. He has left so many great memories which he will be loved and remembered for. R I P Tony.

The following statement was posted on the BBC Radio Devon website

We're sorry to share some sad news with you this morning.

BBC Radio Devon presenter Tony Beard has died at the age of 79.

The "Wag From Widecombe" presented his Sunday request show for more than 30 years during which, became the most successful programme on BBC Radio Devon. He was as much a part of the radio station as he was of the county, a keen custodian of Devon folklore and culture.

Tony was recently honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Gillard awards for his "contribution to local radio" and he was an extremely popular member of our station family.

Friends and colleagues here at BBC Radio Devon will miss him deeply, as we're sure you and all of his devoted listeners will too.