Tributes are pouring in for ITV Sport's technical director Roger Pearce who died suddenly in Qatar while covering the World Cup. He was 65.

Mr Pearce lived in Maidstone and helped set up the commercial TV station TVS when it built state-of-the-art studios at Vinters Park, Bearsted. This was to have been his last job before he retired in five weeks time.

Maidstone Studios, which now runs the complex, said today (Tuesday): "We are truly saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Roger.

"He was always a pleasure and honour to have work here, a stalwart industry veteran with a wonderful heart.

"Our thoughts are with his family and many friends during this difficult time."

Former colleagues have left tributes on the studio's Facebook page.

Josephine Clark, the studios' commercial director, said: "Roger was the kindest person I’ve met. A true industry legend and I will miss his fantastic stories and that wonderful beaming smile."

Another, Tracey Robertson, added: "My first boss and friend at Meridian. A truly wonderful man. He'll be greatly missed."

Cameraman Nigel Roberts said: "Roger will be fondly remembered as one half of the Outside Broadcast engineering team in Maidstone along with Ludvig Zatko."

Mr Pearce’s death was announced on air by sports presenter Mark Pougatch, ahead of Monday’s World Cup game between Wales and the USA.

He told viewers: "We have some very sad news to bring you from here in Qatar. Our technical director Roger Pearce, who was here embarking on his eighth World Cup, has sadly passed away."

He added: "Roger and his team are the brilliant people who bring you the pictures into your homes and make it all happen.

"Roger was a hugely respected figure in the TV sport broadcasting industry. For ITV he has been instrumental in the logistical planning and delivery of rugby world cups as well as the football world cups as well as the Euros."

He continued: "He always had a smile on his face and left a smile on your faces. He was utterly dedicated, professional, charming and hugely popular. He will be missed by so many people inside the industry and at home."

Studio director and friend Neil Stainsby shared on Twitter that Mr Pearce had been set to retire in five weeks time.

He wrote: "So sad to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague at ITV Meridian, Roger Pearce. He died on his last assignment in Qatar before retirement in 5 weeks time. RIP Roger."

Mr Pearce began his career as an engineer at Grampian TV and worked in other ITV regions such as TVS and Meridian before joining ITV network sport full time in 2001 and becoming its technical director in 2008.

He had worked at ITV for 43 years and died suddenly in his hotel overnight.

He had been due to retire on December 31.

Mark Demuth, ITV Controller of Sport, said: "It is with extreme sadness and sorrow that I have to tell you Roger Pearce passed away overnight at his hotel in Qatar.

"I appreciate this desperate news will come as a great shock to everyone. His immediate family have been informed as have the team working here in Doha.

"Roger has been such a popular figure in the department for many years. Anyone who worked with Roger enjoyed his company and couldn't help but smile when he was around.

"Roger was the person who made it all happen - whether he was on-site at a minor non-League ground or working across a complex technical operation such as this World Cup.

"Everyone is feeling numb at the moment and sharing a dreadful sense of loss.

"Let's look out for each other, as Roger would have done, and never forget the incredible contribution he made to the department and all our lives. Roger was one of a kind."

ITV paid a short tribute to Mr Pearce this evening during its football coverage.