Malcolm Laycock was a popular and award-winning radio presenter

Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Malcolm Laycock died on Sunday, his agent says.

Mr Laycock left Sunday Night at 10 - a programme dedicated to music of the 1930s and 40s - in the summer after spending 14 years as its presenter.

His decision - due in part to disagreements with the station - prompted outrage among his listeners.

Bob Shennan, controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music, said Mr Laycock's former colleagues were "shocked and saddened" to hear of his death.

"Malcolm was a much-loved and highly respected broadcaster, renowned for his skill as a presenter and producer, and his passion for music and radio," he said.

Mr Laycock's radio career spanned four decades, during which he worked on Radio 2, BBC London and the BBC World Service as well as helping to set up London's Jazz FM.

He was awarded a Sony Radio Award for his programme Billie Holiday In Her Own Words.

He produced many programmes for Radio 2 including Voices and Back Numbers, and documentaries on Nat King Cole, Josh White and Harlem's Savoy Ballroom.

Mr Laycock was also known internationally for his broadcasts for BBC World Service.

These included six years presenting the weekly Jazz For The Asking programme, and for his many series of Kings Of Swing and The Big Band Singers, and for the documentary Glenn Miller - The Legacy.

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