Tributes were flooding in from across the sporting world tonight following the death of BBC South East sports reporter Neil Bell.

Neil, described by the corporation as a sporting legend, passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning after a battle with cancer.

Neil, known affectionately as 'Belly', had been covering sport across Kent and the South East for more than 30 years.

Gillingham FC were among those paying tribute tonight. The club released a statement saying: "Neil Bell was an exceptional broadcaster and a very special human being. He will be sadly missed.

"The thoughts of everyone at Gillingham Football Club are with Neil's family and friends at this very difficult time."

The Kent FA tweeted: We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Neil Bell. I am sure the rest of the Kent Football Family will join us in sending our thoughts and wishes to his family."

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch said: "Very sad to hear the news about Neil Bell. He was a brilliant regional sports journalist and his expertise will be much missed. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."