BBC Radio Wales presenter Alan Thompson has died in hospital aged 54 after a short illness.

Paying tribute to him, BBC Radio Wales editor Colin Paterson described him as a "champion of the Welsh music scene".

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and many friends today," he said.

A tribute to Thompson will be broadcast at 23:00 BST on BBC Radio Wales on Sunday.

The flag outside BBC Wales' Broadcasting House in Llandaff is also being flown at half-mast.

Thompson first became known as a musician in the 1980s, as lead singer and songwriter of Cardiff-based band Peppermint Parlour.

His career in broadcasting started when he delivered a demo tape of the band to BBC Wales' reception in the early 1990s - and was invited to record short music packages for the BBC Radio 5 entertainment show "Rave".

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption BBC Radio Wales editor Colin Paterson was among those paying tribute to Alan Thompson

He went on to co-present the programme alongside actor Rob Brydon on a Friday night.

Other career highlights included anchoring large music events and festivals around Wales for BBC Radio Wales, and presenting the Evening Show on the station for four years.

For the past two years, he had a weekly appearance on the Eleri Sion programme.

Mr Paterson added: "Alan's love and passion for music shone through in everything he did.

"A champion of the Welsh music scene, an entertainer and innovative broadcaster, Alan was loved by listeners as well as colleagues."

BBC Cymru Wales director Rhodri Talfan Davies said: "Alan was a consummate broadcaster.

"He shared his passion for Welsh music with thousands and they loved him for it. We're going to miss him."

Rob Brydon was also among those paying tribute. He tweeted: "I am heartbroken by the news that my old Radio Wales friend and colleague Alan Thompson has died. We shared so many laughs together.

"He has left us far, far too soon, so much left to do and enjoy. I send my deepest condolences to his family and all that loved him."

'Hugely talented'

Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Wadge described him as a "great mate".

"Absolutely heartbroken to hear the passing of @alanthompsonDJ helped me so much early on was a great mate love you Thompo @BBCRadioWales," she tweeted.

BBC Radio Wales colleagues also paid tribute to him.

Lucy Owen called him "hugely talented, generous and great fun" while Mal Pope said he was "devastated" to hear of about the death of his "dear friend".

Comedian Mike Bubbins tweeted: "Sad day for @BBCRadioWales. Alan Thompson was a lovely, generous, talented bloke. Taken far too soon. Sleep tight."