Manchester music legend Tony Wilson has died of cancer aged 57.

He founded record label Factory Records and was credited with reviving the city's music and cultural life in the 1980s.

Wilson underwent surgery to remove a kidney in January after being diagnosed last year but died in hospital on Friday.

He began his showbiz career in television but went on to bring bands including Joy Division, New Order and the Happy Mondays to fame.

He also launched the Hacienda nightclub and his famous character was immortalised by Steve Coogan in 24 Hour Party People.

Among those who paid tribute was Stephen Morris, who was a member of Joy Division and New Order: "New Order wouldn't have came to be what they are without Tony and the Factory Record label because he was very passionate about music and he believed the band should have total freedom."

Alan McGee, who founded Creation Records and signed Oasis, commented: "It was really Tony Wilson, rather than anybody else in Britain that was the biggest inspiration that we went on and did with our independent record label."