Veteran BBC broadcaster David Jacobs dies aged 87

The veteran BBC broadcaster David Jacobs has died at the age of 87.

Jacobs stepped down from his Radio 2 programme only last month due to ill health. He died at home "surrounded by his family", according to a BBC statement.

David Jacobs began his career at the BBC in 1945, enjoying a seven-decade career during which time he presented many classic and popular programmes, including Housewives' Choice, Juke Box Jury, Any Questions, Top Of The Pops and The Eurovision Song Contest as well as his long running Radio 2 show.

He won a Sony Gold Award for outstanding contribution to radio in 1984 and was admitted to the Sony Hall of Fame in 1995.

Colleagues have been paying tribute to David Jacobs:

BBC director general Tony Hall called him "one of the great broadcast personalities".

Radio 2 colleague Bob Harris tweeted: "So very sad to hear the news about David Jacobs, my friend and mentor. He gave me my first ever mention on the radio on my 15th birthday."