David Heron, a former chairman of Premier, has died at the age of 81.

He held the position of chairman from 1996 – just a year after Premier Christian Radio was launched - until his retirement in 2008.

The former stockbroker moved from a successful career in the City to serve with the Christian media group.

During his time at the company, he was instrumental in overseeing the growth and development of Christian media and launching Premier from a medium wave station broadcasting in London, to the multi-media global organisation it is today.

Premier's chief executive Peter Kerridge, has paid tribute, saying: "There are many, many people across the UK who have been blessed, helped and transported into the kingdom because of his work over the decades.

"I want to pay tribute to his kindness, his generosity, his wisdom, insight and vision and his constant care and consideration in his dealings with everyone as we built this organisation.

"Premier really is David's legacy and I’m so very grateful to the Lord to have been able to work on it every day for the best part of two decades with him."

John Buckeridge also worked alongside him at Premier when the organisation acquired Premier Christianity magazine.

“He was a man of real integrity, and Premier will forever be marked by his stamp and his input," he said. "It’s a sad day, but it’s also a day to celebrate all that he did in his long life – not just at Premier but at many other Christian organisations.

Humphrey Norrington also worked with him while chair of the Premier Christian Media Trust. "He had been a very powerful figure in the City and he abandoned that to take on the radio, which was simply wonderful of him. I think we all owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

David leaves behind wife Peggy, four children and grandchildren.

A full statement from Premier's CEO, Peter Kerridge, is available to read here.