PEOPLE across Kent have been paying tribute to John Peel, one of the country's best-loved broadcasters, who has died of a heart attack. He was 65.

Peel died while on holiday in Peru. His wife, Sheila was with him.

One of his big fans in the county, Ray Hughes, from Rainham, said: "I am stunned and shocked. John Peel was a selfless champion of emerging bands for decades and the greatest DJ this country has ever known."

Aileen Halstead, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, said: "He was a man who was admired by people of all generations. He had a unique voice and a unique style. He was a broadcasting legend."

Peel's radio career spanned some 40 years. He was BBC Radio 1's longest-serving DJ and in recent years had also presented Home Truths on Radio 4.