A COUNTY is in mourning today at the news that popular BBC Wiltshire presenter Sandy Martin has died.

Sandy, 53, was taken ill at the beginning of November and diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He passed away last night.

The popular presenter was well-known to tens of thousands of people across the county.

He began his radio career with a weekly Disco Trekkin' programme on commercial station GWR, whilst still a successful nightclub DJ at Swindon's Brunel Rooms.

He joined the BBC, based in Old Town, in 1998, hosting a wide range of shows, including the "World Tour of Wiltshire" and a series of fund-raising concerts featuring artists such as Jamie Cullum and Justin Hayward.

Most recently he had been BBC Wiltshire’s "Man with a Van", out on the streets gathering powerful, emotional interviews with ordinary people which were broadcast as "Your Stories from Your Place".

He was also one of the main organisers of BBC Wiltshire's Carol Concert at Salisbury Cathedral in December 2009 and 2010, and the city-centre Christmas lights switch-on in Salisbury.

BBC Wiltshire Editor Tony Worgan said: "Although we've known for a few months that Sandy has been seriously ill, it still comes as a great shock to everyone at BBC Wiltshire.

"One thing people always noticed about Sandy was his infectious, never ending enthusiasm. He made 'thinking positively' into an art form.

"I appointed Sandy as a member of the BBC Wiltshire management team ten years ago and since then he has been a great support and loyal ally and I shall miss him very much".

Assistant Editor Shaun Hodgetts added: "Our thoughts are with his wife Sarah and their family. "Sandy has been a trusted & loyal friend for more than 25 years. "He was so popular, so full of energy and so passionate about his work. "He brought the very best out of his guests, from the likes of Jamie Cullum and Justin Hayward to the man on the street he'd only just met.

"Sandy was also an inspiration to the next generation of broadcasters giving time and sound advice to young contributors to his weekend show. "He will be sorely missed."

Sandy is survived by his wife Sarah, two-year-old twins and his grown-up daughter from his previous marriage.

A book of condolence is open for listeners to sign between 9.30am and 5.30pm from today and between 9am-12noon on Saturday and Sunday, in the reception of BBC Wiltshire, Broadcasting House, 56-58 Prospect Place, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 3RW.

See tomorrow's special edition Adver for full tributes and photographs.