Paul Barnes dies as tributes pour in for BBC radio and TV legend

"His knowledge was vast and his keenness to pass that on to a loyal band of like-minded listeners made for memorable radio shows."

Tributes have poured in for legendary BBC presenter Paul Barnes, who has died at the age of 85 following a long illness.

Paul worked across TV and radio for several years, and appeared on programmes including The Village Show, Folio and Anything Goes. His illustrious career also saw him working alongside Anthea Turner.

His wife, fellow broadcaster Helen McDermott, led the tributes with a touching statement honouring his "full and colourful life".

She added: "He loved life and whatever he did, TV, radio or writing, he was a perfectionist." The couple even worked together as they wrote an alternate column every fortnight for the Norwich Evening News.

He frequently asked, "Have I gone too far this time?" if he had shared strong opinions on a subject.

Paul was born in Coventry in July 1939, and discovered his passion for music as a child. At the age of 11, he started playing the trumpet and joined his school band.

He would become an enthusiastic record collector, with a particular fondness for jazz music. His tastes ran so deep that he would only play music he personally enjoyed on his radio shows, later stating the worst gift he ever received was a Celine Dion CD.

Although his working life began in a photographic shop, his media career kicked off thanks to his first job in radio. He also had a number of TV credits, including working for Anglia Television in the early 1990s, the Mirror reports.

Robert Thompson, the BBC's Senior Head of Content Production, London and East, said Barnes' "home was the East".

"His love of music shone through, and many will remember that enthusiasm reflected in his programme 'The Late Paul Barnes' which delighted so many listeners."

David Clayton, who was the editor at BBC Radio Norfolk during Paul's tenure, fondly remembered his radio career. "He was always a great 'wordsmith' with his writing," he said.

"His colourful prose, particularly about his beloved jazz music, was a joy to hear. His knowledge was vast and his keenness to pass that on to a loyal band of like-minded listeners made for memorable radio shows."

David added: "Barnes ended every show the same way with a cheery 'pip pip'. So 'pip pip' Barnsey. Thanks for some great music."

Paul and Helen were together for 47 years, and had two sons - Matt and Dean - and a granddaughter, Eloise. Speaking to the East Anglican Daily Times, Helen said: "The best thing for me is that he loved the life he lived.

“He always said how privileged he was to have lived as he had. He left his mark on the world and even through his long and difficult illness, he never lost his sense of humour. As I sat beside him last week in the hospital, I asked him if he knew who I was and he said, ‘Father Christmas ’."