We have opened an online book of condolence for BBC radio DJ and much-loved former Eastwood schoolboy Steve Wright who has died aged 69.

Wright's family confirmed the broadcaster's death yesterday "with deep sorrow and profound regret" in a statement shared to BBC News.  

He has hosted programmes on Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades - since the 1970s - and also fronted hit BBC shows including Top of the Pops.

Born in Greenwich, south London, Steve was educated at Eastwood High School for Boys, where he broadcast an early version of his radio show over the speaker system from the stock cupboard.

He also delivered the Echo newspaper when he was young.

Tributes across south Essex poured in yesterday evening after the heartbreaking news of his death.

Broadcaster Iain Dale, who was born in Cambridge but grew up in Essex, wrote: "I grew up with Steve Wright. He is one of my broadcasting heroes.

"He phoned me two weeks ago just to tell me I'd done a brilliant show the previous night. You can imagine what that meant to me.

"I tried to get him to do an All Talk but he hated talking about himself. Legend."

You can share your own message using the tool at the bottom of this page.

Community answers

Book of condolence for Steve Wright - share your memories and pay tribute

"Legendary BBC radio DJ and former Eastwood schoolboy Steve Wright has died aged 69, his family confirmed in a statement yesterday. He has hosted programmes on Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades - since the 1970s - and also fronted hit BBC shows including Top of the Pops. Tributes and memories of the much-loved broadcaster have poured in across Essex."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From mr xavier franco ramon azado

Share your memories of Steve and pay tribute to the much-loved DJI liked steve wright on top of the pops and pick of the pops. he was genius, a one off, one of a kind, a innovator, a pioneer of radio and a very complete british radio inasutition. may he r.i.p. love xavier.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.