Tributes have poured in for BBC radio presenter John Randall following his death aged 68. The BBC Radio Guernsey presenter passed away following a short illness. Randall joined the radio station 25 years ago to front its first dedicated local afternoon show. But his broadcasting career started years before when he began working on Offshore Radio in 1988. He helped set up the island's first full-time commercial station, Island FM, four years later.

In recent years, Randall presented an evening programme on Mondays and Fridays, as well as a Sunday afternoon show broadcast across Guernsey and Jersey. Randall reflected on his 25 years working with the BBC in June, explaining that he willingly gives up his own time because he finds it rewarding to help others and bring smiles to their faces. "I like going out and doing all the fun bits, like the Donkey Derby," he said. "I love raising money for charities. I love helping people, I really do.

"I give up my own time to do it and it's fun. It's meeting people as well and putting smiles on faces which is what I enjoy doing."

BBC Guernsey executive producer Michelle Danielle described Randall as "one of a kind", revealing he loved "nothing more" than helping people. 

Recalling the time she told Randall she was in need of a washing machine, she said: "He got the word out and the next thing I knew one was being delivered to the house. He loved nothing more than helping people.

"At work he embraced the role of being our ambassador in the community. He loved BBC Guernsey and the people that work here and we loved him back. A huge part of us will always be missing."

A regular supporter of charities, Randall helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for those in need during his life. He was also regular supporter of local causes, hosting major island events and frequently acting as an auctioneer.

Randall helped BBC Guernsey's Isla Blatchford raise almost £40,000 for several charities over the last 20 years, as she recognised his "generosity with his time, support and enthusiasm proved invaluable".

"I think one of the best things about John was his ability to get people on board to help raise money for all sorts of causes," Blatchford added. "He could talk anyone into anything it seemed."

Stephanie Marshall, senior head of content production for the West, South West and Channel Islands, shared her own tribute to Randall, branding him a "kind and generous man, who would light up any room".

She went on: "For more than a quarter of a century, John's voice has been heard across the region, and it's hard to imagine anyone on the Channel Islands who wouldn't recognise his distinctive style. He will be deeply missed, and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time."