BBC NI journalist Dan Stanton has been remembered as an "absolute gentleman" with "a roaring laugh and zest for life" following his death.

Tributes have been paid to the English-born broadcaster, who died on Saturday after a battle with illness, with friends and colleagues describing how his "company was infectious".

Mr Stanton, who was in his late 50s, began his journalism career at the Birmingham Evening Mail before moving to national newspapers, which included the Observer.

He also worked for ITN, London Tonight and, on moving to Northern Ireland, was appointed news editor at The Irish News where he worked between 1998 and 1999.

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Irish News editor Noel Doran paid tribute to Mr Stanton, describing him as a "good and trusted friend".

“Dan Stanton was a hugely respected journalist, both in his key role as news editor with our paper and later with the BBC, who always believed in maintaining the highest possible editorial standards," he said.

"He was also a good and trusted friend to all those who worked with him over the years and our sincere sympathies go out to his family circle.”

Posting on Twitter, BBC Newsline presenter Tara Mills said it was "so very sad today to hear that our lovely colleague" had passed away.

“He was funny, kind and a devoted dad to his beautiful daughter," she wrote.

"Rest easy Dan. Condolences to his wife and the whole family.”

Fellow BBC broadcaster Chris Page also wrote on social media that it was "a sad day in the newsroom".

"Dan Stanton was a great colleague," he said.

A sad day in the newsroom. Dan Stanton was a great colleague. He was incredibly interested in people, could talk to anyone, and had a memorable sense of humour - not least when his beloved Fulham FC were on the way up or down. He’ll be missed as a journalist and as a friend. https://t.co/9j8R3SbuvO

— Chris Page (@ChrisPageTV) September 18, 2023

"He was incredibly interested in people, could talk to anyone, and had a memorable sense of humour - not least when his beloved Fulham FC were on the way up or down.

"He’ll be missed as a journalist and as a friend."

Journalist Rick Faragher said Mr Stanton was "a wonderful friend".

"A roaring laugh and zest for life, he never took himself too seriously," he wrote.

"A chat about news, holidays and Fulham FC over a pint was never far away.

"His company was infectious, his family his world. Rest peacefully, mate."

John Moore, former UUP communications director, described Mr Stanton as an “absolute gentleman” and a "lovely guy".