Sir Harry Secombe, comedy genius of radio's The Goon Show, died yesterday at the age of 79.

The comic, who also presented ITV's religious music show Highway, had a run of ill health over the past few years.

His daughter, Jenny Secombe, said he died at 3pm and the family were shattered.

Sir Harry suffered a stroke and had diabetes for many years. He was also treated for prostate cancer, from which he died at a Guildford hospital, with his wife Myra at his side.

The Prince of Wales last night led the tributes for the man known affectionately as "The Clown Prince of Wales", saying: "He was one of the great life-enhancers of our age and gave pleasure and constant happy laughter to so many of us throughout his life, most particularly when he was part of never-to-be-forgotten Goon Show.

"He will be profoundly missed by all those people who appreciate wit and unmalicious humour."

Fellow Goon Spike Milligan said: "I grieve for an unbelievable friend."

Chat show host Michael Parkinson, who was a close friend, said: "He was one of my boyhood heroes. It was impossible to be miserable when you were around him."

Former Tory Prime Minister John Major said: "He was one of the loveliest of men and a comic genius who gave pleasure to millions."

Sir Harry retired from showbusiness in 1999 after a lifetime of comedy, song and charity work which earned him a knighthood in 1981.

His work on the Goons won him millions of devoted fans - among them John Lennon - for the surreal and bizarre characters he conjured up with Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine.

Sir Harry, voted among the top ten best-known living Christians in 1999, became a frequent visitor to the North-East while filming the religious series Highway. His travels took in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales.

Graeme Thompson, Tyne Tees director of broadcasting, said: "He was very fond of the North-East of England and his many friends here will mourn his passing."

During his Harry's last few months, the once larger than life Sir Harry had found his eyesight failing and he had suffered some paralysis down his left side.

During a BBC1 look back at his life last year, he pointed out that he should have been in a wheelchair but wanted to remain as active as possible.

The Secombe family said: "We are grieving for a wonderful man, and a much loved husband, father and grandfather." A funeral is planned for next week and a memorial service will be held later in the year.