Former BBC presenter and Middlewich campaigner, Nigel Jay, has died.

The Northwest Tonight anchor was a keen supporter of the town, helping to launch a DVD dedicated to Middlewich.

His regular reports from the Folk and Boat Festival helped bring the event to a national audience.

In 2011, Nigel spent six months immersing himself in the region’s culture and traditions, attending the Second World War weekend, Transport Festival and Christmas light switch-on ceremony.

Speaking to the Guardian in 2011, Nigel said: “It was great to really get into Middlewich and be part of these events.

“All the people are so friendly and all the festivals have their own character.

“You almost don’t think you’re coming back to the same town - Middlewich has a coat of many different colours.”

Nigel was a keen boater in and around Middlewich’s canal network.

A BBC spokesman said: " We are saddened by the news that Nigel Jay died yesterday. 

"He hosted BBC North West Tonight’s bulletins between 1989 and 2005, and became a much loved face on our screens.

"He was a lovely man - a professional at work, and also great fun to have around. He will be missed by many of us here at North West Tonight.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time."