'Voice' of London Underground Phil Sayer has died

The man who voiced the "Please mind the gap" and "Stand clear of the doors" announcements on the London Underground has died.

Voice-over artist Phil Sayer, 62, who previously worked for the BBC as a regional TV and radio presenter, died on Thursday, according to a statement on his Facebook page.

Mr Sayer, dubbed the "voice of reason, radio and railways", announced the warning phrases for multiple London Underground lines and PA announcements at railway stations across the country.

He was a presenter for BBC North West News and BBC GMR - now known as Radio Manchester - in the 1980s, before setting up a voice over business with wife Elinor Hamilton.

A statement from their company, SayerHamilton, said: "Phil Sayer - voice of reason, radio, and railways. A dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

"We are sorry to announce that this service terminates here. 18.5.53 - 14.4.16."

Last month, Mr Sayer retired from voicing "due to a sudden decline in health", according to his website.

He told The Daily Telegraph in 2010 that he apologised "more than anybody in the UK".

"I do say sorry rather a lot and I'm apologising for lots of things at the moment", he said.

"But what can I say, I'm sorry, somebody has to do it!"