Veteran Archers actor Alan Devereux, who voiced Sid Perks, has died

Veteran Archers actor Alan Devereux, who played the role of Sid Perks for nearly 50 years, has died at the age of 75.

Mr Devereux of natural causes on Sunday after a short illness, the BBC has said.

The BBC Radio 4 soap opera's editor, Sean O'Connor, paid tribute to the actor on Tuesday, and said he possessed a voice of "genuine" authenticity.

Mr Devereux arrived on the airwaves on September 30 1963, as the teenage tearaway who would later become the landlord of The Bull pub.

He played the role until the character's death in 2010.

Sid took his place behind the bar of The Bull in 1972 when he and his first wife Polly took over the running of the pub.

Mr O'Connor told the BBC Radio 4 website: "Alan's voice as Sid had a genuine sense of authenticity to it - instantly recognisable and full of rich character.