Long queues of people expected to sign books of condolences for late Terry Wogan

Books of condolence will open today for Limerick-born Terry Wogan who died yesterday aged 77 after a battle with cancer.

Members of the public will be able to express their condolences from 10am at Limerick City and Co Council buildings in Dooradoyle and in Merchants Quay in Limerick city.

An online book of condolence will also be hosted on www.limerick.ie.

The city's mayor Liam Galvin said: "These books of condolence afford Limerick people at home and abroad the opportunity to convey their sympathies to the family of the late Terry Wogan, a true son of Limerick and a broadcasting institution whose passing will be mourned by millions."

Known for his velvety voice on radio and television, the veteran broadcaster was one of the best known stars in Ireland and the UK.

He was born in Limerick and first headed into the world of banking after leaving college in 1956 but, after answering an advertisement, joined RTÉ where he worked as a newsreader and announcer.

He moved on to become a DJ and hosted quiz and variety shows.

Moving to the BBC he hosted a mid-1960s programme called Midday Spin and when the Corporation reorganised its output, he began working on the new Late Night Extra slot on Radio 1, for which he commuted from Dublin.

His career with the BBC flourished as he became one of the organisation’s most well known personalities.

Last November, he was forced to pull out of presenting Children In Need at the last minute due to health issues.