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Veteran radio DJ Pete Mitchell has died suddenly aged 61.

The Manchester-born BBC and Virgin Radio presenter's sad death was announced today.

A statement from family friend Jo Houlcroft said: "It is with incredible sadness that I have to report the sad passing of Virgin Radio presenter, Pete Mitchell, who died very suddenly on Thursday 12th March aged 61.

"Pete collapsed whilst out walking near his home in Stockport, the cause of his death is still unknown but he was not thought to be displaying any signs of illness.

"Pete was a veteran broadcaster, whose career in radio spanned thirty four years.

"He was knowledgeable and passionate about music of all genres, discovering and supporting many bands and was a huge part of the Manchester music scene.

"His wife Helen and two grown up sons Adam and Sean are devastated by their loss. His family have asked for privacy at this very difficult time."

(Image: Unknown)

A tweet from the official BBC Radio 2 account said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of the much respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell, who has worked on both BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

"Our thoughts today are with Pete’s friends and family."

Pete was born in Manchester, where he went on to land a job as a radio presenter on the city's Piccadilly Radio.

He later worked on Key 103, Radio X and Absolute Radio, before landing his roles at Radio 2 and 6 Music.

Pete also spent time working for Virgin Radio, when he was one half of duo Pete & Geoff.

The broadcaster began his career in 1986 as a sports commentator for Red Rose Radio in Lancashire, before moving onto Piccadilly Radio in 1989.

Pete was also a regular on TV screens, appearing on the likes of Sky News, Eggheads on the BBC, and Sky One's Hidden Secrets.

(Image: PA)

He also made a number of appearances on countdown shows such as Channel 4's Top 100 Albums and Channel 5's Top 100 Singles.

BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins said: "Pete Mitchell was not only a

brilliant and passionate DJ but he was a really honest bloke and a lovely supportive person. He will be missed by so many."

The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess said: "Oh man, so sad to hear that Pete Mitchell has died. He was a friend of ours for thirty years. One of the first DJs to play and champion The Charlatans.

"Always a pleasure to catch up with him, such fond memories of our times together. My thoughts are with Pete's family and friends."

Pete's fans paid tribute after the sad news of his death was announced.

One wrote: "Oh goodness that’s so sad. Remember him on Virgin as Geoff and Pete great broadcaster. Sad sad news"

"Very sad news indeed," another posted.

While another tweeted: "Oh noooooo! This is very sad news. I worked with Pete Mitchell in Manchester way, way back. Always a lovely person, and a wonderful presenter. My sincere condolences to Pete’s family, friends and Radio colleagues."