TRIBUTES have been paid in huge numbers to the legendary broadcaster Dave Lanning.
The former ITV Sport and Sky Sports commentator, who was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2008, passed away on Saturday aged 78.
His popularity across the sporting world has been shown in the messages of tribute which have been paid, with a selection of tweets below.
Click here to read the PDC's tribute to Dave Lanning
Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis said: "Everyone at Sky Sports is saddened by the news of Dave's passing.
"He was a wonderful man whose commentaries enthralled our viewers, many of whom will remember his entertaining double act on the darts with Sid Waddell.
"On behalf of everyone at Sky Sports, I would like to send our deepest condolences to Dave's family and friends."
Phil Taylor said: "I'm gutted. I loved Dave to bits. He was part of my generation.
"Every time I spoke to his son Phil, I'd ask him how his dad was because everybody liked him. He had a wonderful relationship with Sid Waddell and he was just a lovely, lovely gentleman."
Commentator Stuart Pyke said: "Dave was a great friend and colleague in the commentary box for many years.
"He was an iconic commentator with a unique style, a real giant in helping put darts on the map from his days at ITV Sport to nearly 20 years on Sky Sports.
"Dave was a true gentleman and I'm proud to call him a friend and colleague. He's reunited with Sid Waddell now - legends together."
Fellow commentator John Gwynne
@SkySportsNewsHQ Dave Lanning was a friend, colleague and confidante & utterly professional in all he did. Master of the microphone, RIP.
— John Gwynne (@OnlyJohnGwynne) October 29, 2016
Broadcaster Jim Rosenthal:
RIP Dave Lanning - the original voice of darts...fine broadcaster and engaging colleague on ITV. Loved his work and his sport...a proper pro
— Jim Rosenthal (@rosenthal_jim) October 29, 2016
Two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis
Really sad news about Dave Lanning.. really nice man and one of the best commentators.. he will be sadly missed throughout darts world. RIP
— Adrian Lewis (@jackpot180) October 29, 2016
Two-time World Grand Prix & UK Open champion James Wade
Another legend has been taken away from us.Thinking of the family. I learnt a lot from this gentleman https://t.co/g6VHBIQR7n
— James Wade (@JamesWade180) October 29, 2016
Former World Matchplay champion Colin Lloyd
Very sad to hear that Dave Lanning has passed away. He was an absolute gent and always a pleasure to chat to. My condolences to his family x
— ColinJawsLloyd (@ColinJawsLloyd) October 29, 2016
Sky Sports commentator Nigel Pearson
My condolences to all the Lanning family tonight. I hope they take strength from the wonderful memories Dave has left us all with. Legend.
— Nigel Pearson (@nigelpearson) October 29, 2016
Bournemouth Echo deputy editor Neil Meldrum
My tribute to Dave Lanning - nowhere near as eloquent as his own writing, but hope it shows how much we loved him: https://t.co/fE3YA1HuvU
— Neil Meldrum (@mellydailyecho) October 29, 2016
PDC star Jamie Caven
So sad to hear the news of Dave Lanning's passing. A genuinely lovely man. Will be missed by everybody in our sport. RIP Dave x
— Jamie Caven (@jabba180) October 29, 2016
The Daily Mirror's Mike Walters
Rest in peace Dave Lanning: his refined burr at the darts was perfect foil for Sid Waddell's inspired dottiness. Thoughts with @lannomedia
— MIKE WALTERS (@MikeWaltersMGM) October 29, 2016
Broadcaster Jim Proudfoot
So sad to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning - voice of so much sport as far back as I can remember. Wonderful broadcaster. RIP
— Jim Proudfoot (@JimProudfoot) October 29, 2016
Darts star Alex Roy
Gutted to hear the passing of the great Dave Lanning RIP a true gentleman hope you and Sid are enjoying each others company again.
— Alex Roy (@AlexRoy3) October 29, 2016
Daily Express' Richard Lewis
So sad to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning. One of the greatest voices in the history of sports broadcasting and a true gentleman. RIP.
— richard lewis (@richlewexpress) October 29, 2016
PDC star Dennis Smith
RIP Dave Lanning - ever the gentleman. It was a pleasure to work with you - you will be missed. Condolences to your family #darts #pdc
— Dennis Smith (@SmiffyDarts180) October 29, 2016
Former World Champion Steve Beaton
So sad to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning, one of the great commentators. You'll be sadly missed mate. RIP my friend
— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) October 29, 2016
1983 World Champion Keith Deller
I'm so sad to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning. He was a true gentleman, wonderful friend and a legendary commentator for our sport..
— Keith Deller (@KDeller138) October 29, 2016
Former PDC Tournament Director Tommy Cox
@Dannycox_ Dave Lanning was one of the nicest men I have ever met.. and one of the most professional as well. He will be greatly missed RIP
— Tommy Cox (@TommyCox_PDC) October 29, 2016
Former Players Championship Finals winner Kevin Painter
Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning,such a great fella and gentleman,up there with the best in commentary RIP Dave pic.twitter.com/hsIGbrphcG
— Kevin Painter (@OfficialKP180) October 29, 2016
Former Women's world number one Linda Duffy
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dave Lanning, one of the first ever true darts journalists and commentators. Lovely man. RIP Dave.
— Dr Linda Duffy (@sportspsycoach) October 29, 2016
Former World Championship semi-finalist Chris Mason
Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Dave Lanning, a genuine broadcasting legend and one of the nicest men I knew RIP old pal X
— chris mason (@Chris180Mason) October 29, 2016
Sky Sports commentator Rod Studd
Darts wouldn't be anything like the sport it is today if it wasn't for Dave Lanning. One of the broadcasting greats. A sad day. https://t.co/MXhKMOL5ba
— Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) October 29, 2016
2015 Lakeside Champion Scott Mitchell
Sad to hear the passing of great Speedway and Darts commentary Legend, Dave Lanning. Thoughts with all his family on this sad day RIP Dave
— Scott Mitchell (@scottydogdart) October 29, 2016
Broadcaster John Rawling
Darts commentator Dave Lanning has passed. A gentleman. He and Sid so generous and kind with their knowledge and advice. RIP
— John Rawling (@JohnRawling) October 29, 2016