Yorkshire broadcaster Dave Callaghan dies aged 63

The close-knit world of county cricket is in mourning today following the death of Dave Callaghan, the BBC commentator who was widely regarded as the voice of Yorkshire cricket.

Callaghan suffered a heart attack on Friday and died at the age of 63. In the course of a sports journalism career that spanned 45 years, he worked for BBC Radio Leeds and Look North on TV, but it was his work in covering Yorkshire cricket that earned him his widest acclaim.

"Dave's passion for Yorkshire cricket was unparalleled and his commentary will forever be associated with some of the greatest moments in our modern history," said the county in a statement.

Mark Arthur, the club's chief executive, said: "Dave was a very special person who loved Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

"He will be missed by everyone associated with Yorkshire Cricket. This is a terribly sad day and our thoughts are with his wife Pat and his family."

The shock at Callaghan's death was shared by many of the players whom he watched develop at Headingley in the course of his career.

"DC, to say you're going to be missed is an understatement!" wrote Jonny Bairstow on Twitter. "Thank you for all of the memories over the years and being such a genuine bloke! One of the good guys that's been taken from us far too early!"

Michael Vaughan, the former Yorkshire and England captain, added his own tribute on Twitter. "We have lost one of life's great men," he wrote. "Cally really was a wonderful person. So enthusiastic and kind in so many ways. Cricket is going to miss a great broadcaster and friend and Yorkshire CCC have lost their No.1 fan."