Sports journalist Neil “Belly” Bell passed away over the weekend, aged 61. Sports players paid tribute to the broadcaster who worked on sports journalism for over 30 years.

Neil Bell faced cancer after being diagnosed last January and lost his battle in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The local man who once commentated for Kent Cricket and often visited the St Lawrence cricket ground in Canterbury, wrote for BBC Radio Kent and broadcasted for BBC South East Today, had an influx of tributes from the sports teams and outlets he worked closely with.

From BBC Radio Kent to Brands Hatch Racecourse, there was nothing but praise for Neil Bell from fans, listeners and the institutions he had worked with, even being hailed by his own, BBC South East: “Neil was a broadcasting legend, a supreme sporting storyteller and a wonderful person. Put simply, Belly was the best.”

Gillingham Football Club, whom Bell had reported on several times, also released a statement from the club. Head of Communications Phill Catterick wrote: “Everybody was very fond of Neil; his positive nature was infectious, his knowledge of Kent sport was exceptional and the thoughts of everybody at the club are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Including many statements, Twitter was filled with condolences. Ben Moore (@BenTM1973), a close friend of Bell’s wrote: “My friend and broadcasting genius Neil Bell passed away in the early hours of this morning after a battle with cancer. I saw him yesterday for the last time and he was so dignified and brave. I held his hand and told him he’s a legend. Because that’s exactly what he is.”

InQuire offers our condolences to the amazing man and sports writer Neil Bell.