Broadcaster David Vine dies

Veteran sports broadcaster David Vine has died of a heart attack aged 73, his publicist said today.

Vine fronted a huge list of shows, including It's A Knock Out, Miss World, the Eurovision Song Contest, Wimbledon, Match Of The Day, Grandstand and the Olympics. He also hosted A Question Of Sport and Ski Sunday.

Vine, who celebrated his birthday earlier this month, died last night at his home near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

He had triple heart by-pass surgery several years ago.

His publicist Paul Madeley said that since Vine's retirement he remained working as a consultant for the BBC.

He described Vine as "a true and utter gentleman at all times.

"I don't know of anybody who is regarded as he was in terms of his professionalism and dedication, whether he was presenting or commentating.

"He was like a member of my family. He was that close."