TRIBUTES have continued to flood in following the death of Granada Reports newsreader Tony Morris.

Morris died at Bury Hospice on Saturday aged 57 after being diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.

His daughters, Natalie and Rebecca, were at his side.

Morris had presented Granada Reports for 17 years and continued to appear on the programme until just a few weeks ago.

Lucy Meacock, his co-presenter throughout that time, said: “He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh till my sides ached.

"I am so very, very sad and my heart goes out to his daughters Nat and Becky. A smile from Tony Morris always brightened everyone's day and certainly brightened up the whole of the North West for 17 years.

"He was always interested in other people and interested in our guests who'd come into the studio. He had a genuine interest.

"It was a very special bond that we had. We knew each other very well and I think it was a great partnership."

Morris grew up in Portsmouth in Hampshire, spending much of his childhood in foster care. After leaving school he served in the RAF.

After leaving the RAF, Morris’ lifelong love of music drew him first into DJing then to the BBC - as a local radio trainee.

Hacienda DJ and writer Dave Haslam also paid tribute to Morris on Twitter, saying he was a great fan of music.

He wrote: "Terrible news about the death of Tony Morris of Granada Reports. He was as warm off-screen as on. A regular at my club 'Yellow' in the 1990s, Tony loved his music.

"Makes me think how honoured I am to get to know so many people when they're out, excited, grooving together to brilliant music. Sharing that feels intimate somehow. I can picture Tony Morris now, on the dancefloor, smiling at me, both of us enjoying being there, feeling alive."

Happy Mondays singer Rowetta tweeted a picture of Morris alongside the band.

She wrote: "Really sad to hear of the passing of Tony Morris.

"A wonderful newsreader, presenter and interviewer on Granada Reports and a beautiful man."

Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, wrote: "So sad to hear this. Got to know Tony well over the years. A brilliant broadcaster - challenging and direct but also warm and fair. Not many can do that. A proper people person whose love for the North West shone through everything he did. My love to Tony’s family and the Granada team."

Former presenter of BBC North West Tonight, Gordon Burns, tweeted: "Shocked to hear of the death of Granada Reports presenter and one time BBC colleague Tony Morris. "My sincere and deepest sympathies to Tony’s family and the team at Granada Reports who must be feeling totally upset and shattered at this sad time."

Morris' daughter, Natalie Morris asked if people could make a donation to Bury Hospice in memory of her father.

She tweeted: "We ask that rather than sending flowers people make a donation to Bury Hospice. We will forever appreciate the care, kindness and respect that the wonderful nurses provided for dad."

https://buryhospice.org.uk/support-us/donate-online/