A legendary radio presenter hailed the voice of his region has died aged 72.

Dave Monk who was on air for BBC Radio Essex for 37 years shared news last month that his cancer had returned having initially beaten the illness.

He was told the cancer had spread to the lungs, liver and various other parts of his body. He was receiving care from Farleigh Hospice.

Robert Thompson, interim director of production at BBC Local, said Monk was the "voice of Essex" and had a "remarkable impact on the county".

"From solicitor to broadcaster, there was nothing Dave couldn't do, and he taught us all to grab hold of every opportunity and go after it," he added.

The broadcaster helped document some of the county's most memorable events and was the first local presenter to go on air after the passing of

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