Tributes have been paid to Steve Wright, the highly-popular radio presenter who died this week.

Wright always had fond memories of Reading having began his broadcasting career at Radio 210 when the station was launched from offices situated just off Bath Road in Calcot in March 1976.

He quickly built up a huge listening audience and co-hosted a popular weekend show with Mike Read, another DJ who went on to make a big name for himself on national radio.

Both went on to pursue high-profile careers with the BBC.

One who still remembers the early days at Radio 210 is Enola Wright (not related) who also worked at the station.

“I’ve still got very happy memories of those days,” said the former Tilehurst and Woodley resident.

“It was one of my first jobs after leaving school, and it was a great place to work, as they were a real fun crowd. I was very sad to hear Steve had passed away.”

Another former colleague and now television presenter Matt Allright said: “Steve Wright was the voice of Reading’s 210. He spoke to us as kid journo at BBC local radio. He was unfailing kind and generous to me whenever we met. A generational talent. Smart, funny and warm.”

He died on Monday at the age of 69. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.

Radio 210 later became Heart South and then Heart Thames Valley.

His first wife, American Cyndi Robinson, was also involved in local journalism. She worked for the Chronicle and the Evening Post.