Tributes have been paid to Kim Kinnie, the influential comedy figure who has died.

Kinnie had cancer and died in Glasgow. He was the booker at the Comedy Store from its early days through to the 1990s and gave breaks to a generation of comedians that have gone to become household names. He was a familiar figure often seen standing and smiling at the sound desk with a glass of red wine. He later worked in television, producing the Scottish series The Funny Farm, and also directed plays.

Kevin Day tweeted: "Comedy has lost a tiny giant. Spiritual godfather to many comedians, actual godfather to one, KimKinnie has left the building. RIP dear man." Days described Kinnie as his mentor. He was also the godfather of Day's son Ed, who is now a full-time comedian himself under the name of Ed Night.

David Baddiel added: "Ah. Kim gave me my first gigs at The Comedy Store. He was a mentor and a mensch. RIP."

Andy Smart wrote: "Very sad to hear of KimKinnie's passing. A small man but a big heart! He knew how to drink too!"

Comedian/writer Dave Cohen said: "To say Kim Kinnie booked the Comedy Store doesn't tell the half of it. He cared for all of us who worked there even when things weren't working out. Especially when things weren't working out." 

Neil Mullarkey said: "Very very sad. So many happy memories, so much laughter RT @kevinhunterday: Comedy has lost a tiny giant. Spiritual godfather to many comedians, actual godfather to one, Kim Kinnie has left the building. RIP dear man."

Fred MacAulay wrote: "Awfully sad to hear that KimKinnie has died. Always full of advice. And often encouragement. He was instrumental in this fledgling comedian’s career."

Geordie stand-up and I, Daniel Blake star Dave Johns recalled battling to a gig at the Comedy Store in heavy snow. There was not a very big audience due to the weather but Kinnie made sure that the show went on, saying "I was going to cancel but if you've made it from way up in Newcastle to London today we'll do it..."

Picture: Twitter/Kevin Day.