Tributes were today paid from across Bradford to broadcasting legend John Peel, who has died at the age of 65.

The veteran presenter, who had many close links to the district, suffered a heart attack yesterday while on holiday in Peru, with his wife, Sheila.

Mr Peel had worked in broadcasting for more than 40 years and was a pioneer of many revolutions in music during his prestigious career.

His wife of 30 years, Sheila, was born and raised in Shipley and the couple's first date together was on the Bradford University campus to see local band Andromeda. They went on to have four children together.

Alan Whitaker, a former Telegraph & Argus reporter and friend of the late DJ, today paid tribute.

"During my career I spoke to many prominent politicians, film stars and rock stars but the only time I can remember being nervous before an interview was before I interviewed John Peel," he said.

"He was a regular reader of the T&A rock column and took a huge interest in the local music scene, in particular the Bradford band New Model Army.

"I remember meeting him at a hotel in Bingley towards the end of the '80s and I'll never forget just how passionate he was about new and fresh forms of music.

"That summed him up, he was never nostalgic and always looked forward, never back. He was a man who considered himself incredibly fortunate in terms of his private life and his choice of career.

"His work defined the music tastes of my generation and generations to come and he is totally irreplaceable."

Mr Peel spent much time in the area, often accompanying Sheila to visit her parents.

In 2000, he revisited the area for a BBC documentary called the Heaven and Earth Show and, in March 2003, he returned to open Shipley Community radio on the day of its launch.

In 2001, Bradford University recognised his achievements when he was presented with an honorary degree.

On the day, he spent time chatting to students and particularly members of University radio station RamAir.

At the end of the day he left the campus with a bag full of demo CDs and tapes from students who wanted him to listen to their music. He said he always listened to everything given to him.

Chris Taylor, the University's vice chancellor, said: "John Peel was one of the most popular of our honorary graduates, especially amongst the students at the University.

"He was an engaging and accessible broadcaster with a real human touch appealing to young and old alike. Not only did he reflect popular music, he also informed and changed it.

"Our sympathies go out to Sheila and family for their sad loss."

The RamAir station manager from 2001, David Curran said: "It's such a shame, I can't believe it. He was a really cool guy. I remember thinking during his visit that you wouldn't expect a guy like that to be so down to earth. It's such a shame he's gone."

Mr Peel was part of Radio One's original line up at its launch in 1967 and had been with the station since, broadcasting recently from his home in Suffolk.

After announcing Mr Peel's death, Radio One played his favourite song of all time, Teenage Kicks by The Undertones.