Tributes have been paid to a legend in greyhound racing who has died, aged 78.

Roy Pook, one of the most best-loved personalities in the history of Coral Brighton and Hove Stadium, passed away following a long illness.

Bookmaker and Sky betting guru Gary Wiltshire, speaking from Cheltenham racecourse on the second day of the Festival, led the tributes.

He said: "He was a fantastic character and one of the irreplaceable old-timers of the game.

"It's definitely the end of an era and I must offer my sincere condolences to all of his lovely family. However, Jack will ensure that the Pook dynasty in greyhound racing lives on and I hope we can have a memorial race for Roy as an annual event at Hove."

Mr Pook, who celebrated a 65-year association with the Sussex track when he sponsored last year's Brighton Belle, owned more than 100 greyhounds during a life-long involvement with the sport.

Derek Knight, who steered Sunset Wizard to win six consecutive races for Mr Pook a few years ago, said: "He was a tremendous larger-than-life character and, of course, he will be sorely missed by his many friends in the sport.

"It was a pleasure to train for Roy and he never gave me any hassle whatsoever. He was a true gentleman."

Mr Pook's first venture into greyhound ownership came with Big Rambler and, having been an avid greyhound racing fan since 1941, he could always be spotted alongside his wife, Ivy, in the same seating positions in the Skyline Restaurant at the 2001 BGRB Racecourse of the Year.

Mr Pook, known as Mr Hove, caught the greyhound racing bug when Languid Lady, the first dog he backed, won at 12-1 for a two shillings investment, then the equivalent of two weeks wages.

Hove layer Chas Miller said: "He was a mainstay of the Hove owners and a great pal. He bet with me from the moment I acquired a pitch at the track in the early-Nineties and, without doubt, he was a man of great honour and integrity."

Mr Pook, a plasterer by trade and father of six children, made hundreds of friends through the sport he graced with unwavering enthusiasm and his genuine passion for the breed shone through his colourful personalilty.

He enjoyed a great partnership in breeding with Geoff and Jo Harris, raising two highly successful litters that included the prolific-scoring Big White Chief, Peace And Quiet, Captain Kojak and Kalamity Kelly.

Mr Pook also bred three litters in his own right, which included top grade performers Young Lenny, Master Mutley and Blue Chieftain.

The dapper Mr Pook, whose very tight-knit family are also particularly well-known in footballing circles in the southern region, was always well turned out and, alongside the late Jimmy Jupp, he was from a more courteous and chivalrous age.

The funeral service for Pook will be held at 12.30pm on Friday, March 23 at the St Matthias Church in Ditchling Road, Brighton.