Tributes have been paid to John Bird, who has died aged 86. Bird's career stretched from the satire boom of the 1960s to breaking through to a new audience with his work with Rory Bremner.

Bremner led the tributes on Twitter: 

"Deeply saddened to hear that the great John Bird has left us. One of the most modest of men and most brilliant of satirists. And one of the last surviving pillars of the anti-establishment.

If you do one thing today, watch one of his interview sketches with John Fortune and ask yourself if it’s ever been more beautifully done. RIP George Parr.

I used to watch from the wings and marvel at how the two friends made it look so effortless, so blissfully funny, their skill and enjoyment in the moment making light of the seriously detailed research that went into each piece."

Bird worked regularly for many years with John Fortune (picture together, Bird left) - buy a Two Johns DVD here.

Watch John Bird as George Parr below