ITV Granada Reports presenter Tony Morris has died aged 57 after a battle with kidney cancer.

The double BAFTA winner passed away in hospital on Saturday.

Tony, who presented the broadcaster's regional news in the North West, was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.

His co-presenter of 17 years, Lucy Meacock, has led tributes to her colleague.

She said: "He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh till my sides ached.

"I am so very, very sad and my heart goes out to his daughters Nat and Becky. A smile from Tony Morris always brightened everyone's day and certainly brightened up the whole of the North West for 17 years."

Lucy also described her colleague as a "wonderful interviewer and a first class journalist".

She continued: "He would always be respectful but would always coax the best interviews out of people and never shy away from a direct question."

Tony and Lucy helped Granada Reports to become the first regional news programme to win a BAFTA for their 2007 coverage of the Morecame Bay Cockle Picking tragedy.

They picked up a second award in 2013 over their coverage of the Independent Panel into the Hillsborough disaster.

A special programme will now be broadcast at 6pm tonight to pay tribute to Tony and look back on his incredible career.

Lucy West, head of news at Granada, said: "Tony was a remarkable man; first and foremost he was an amazing dad to his two daughters and our thoughts are with his family.

"A brilliant presenter and journalist who could disarm the most challenging of guests.

"Tony led our viewers through some of the darkest of days, yet he was always able to offer some reassurance and warmth."

She added: "Tony lifted people, he was full of fun, wherever he was there was laughter and of course his incredible smile.

"He was loved by all, we as a team will miss him, the viewers will miss him. His passing leaves a huge gap in all of our lives and we will never forget him."

More to follow…

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