THE widow of radio presenter Sandy Martin has said she has been overwhelmed by the support of the whole town since he died.

Sandy tragically lost his battle with a brain tumour aged just 53 earlier this month.

As soon as the news broke about his death, hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects and swap their fond memories of popular BBC presenter.

Sarah Martin, who is mother to Sandy’s two-year-old twins, has also announced that Sandy’s funeral will be held at Christ Church, Old Town, on Wednesday April 6 at 1.30pm.

Sarah said that she has been touched by messages of support after the stalwart presenter died on March 17 and wanted to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity.

She said: “Sandy was my wonderful husband and best friend and the very special daddy of our two beautiful children.

“He was loved so much by his family and close friends and our world feels so empty without him.

“We are so proud that so many people in Swindon and Wiltshire got to meet Sandy and that he touched so many people's lives whilst doing the job he loved.

“The funeral service at Christ Church will be an opportunity for them to pay their respects.

"We ask for family flowers only, but other well-wishers can make donations to the ‘Sandy Martin Memorial Fund’, c/o Hillier Funeral Service, 170 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3DF.

“A board of trustees is being set up to distribute monies raised to causes close to Sandy's heart.”

The service will be open to all, followed by a private committal.

The cortege will pass the home of BBC Wiltshire at Prospect Place en route to the church, pausing for a moment of reflection.

Mr Martin moved from his native Scotland to Wiltshire and made his name as a nightclub DJ at Swindon’s Brunel Rooms.

He joined BBC Wiltshire in 1998, hosting a range of shows including the World Tour of Wiltshire.

He was taken ill at the beginning of November and diagnosed with a brain tumour.