BBC Children in Need has paid tribute to Sir Terry Wogan, its longtime host and life president, who died aged 77 on Sunday after a short battle with cancer.

The charity’s chief executive David Ramsden said: “Sir Terry Wogan has been at the heart of the charity for over 30 years raising millions to change the lives of children. We have lost a wonderful friend and we will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Sir Terry had hosted every Children in Need appeal show since the first in 1980, with the exception of last year which he pulled out of due to illness. He became its life president in 2010, having been involved with the charity since 1978.

The charity, which raises funds from the public and awards grants to UK-based charities and not-for-profit organisations, has raised a total of £740m.

Sir Terry is also best remembered for his roles presenting The Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, and for his role presenting the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK.