A veteran former radio journalist who began his career in the regional press has died suddenly.

Tributes have been paid to Colin Duncan, pictured left, who began his journalism career on the Ballymena Observer.

He went on to work for Downtown Radio and BBC Radio Foyle, in Northern Ireland, as well as UTV and the Press Association.

The Belfast native, who was in his late 50s, later worked in local government PR and for Hansard, helping to compile verbatim reports of proceedings at the Northern Irish Assembly.

Eamonn Mallie, who was a Downtown colleague of Colin’s over many years, said: “The newsdesk sang when he was on duty.”

Former Press Association editor Deric Henderson added: “Colin was hugely gifted and massively well-respected in the business.”

Former UTV presenter Alison Fleming described Colin as “an incredible journalist” and the station’s political correspondent Ken Reid said he was not only a fine reporter but also a decent human being.

Colin is survived by his son Ryan and daughter Carly.