FORMER Blue Peter presenters were among the first stars to pay tribute to show legend John Noakes, who died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 83 after suffering for years with Alzheimer’s disease.

Yorkshire-born Noakes worked on the children’s show for more than 12 years in the 1960s and 1970s and was often seen with his dog Shep by his side.

He was also known for his daredevil stunts such as climbing Nelson’s Column and jumping out of planes – and for his famous encounter with a baby elephant.

Peter Purves, who co-presented Blue Peter with Noakes, said: “I knew about it yesterday.

Very sad, very sad indeed but I think, as his family have said, it really is a blessing. He was suffering badly from Alzheimer’s. In recent years, it got extremely serious.”

Purves described Noakes as “unique”, adding that a former Blue Peter editor said he was “the best presenter ever”.

Konnie Huq went on Twitter to express her sorrow, writing: “John Noakes. Best Blue Peter presenter ever. RIP. So sad.”

Anthea Turner said he was a “Blue Peter favourite”, and Zoe Salmon, who presented the show between 2004 and 2008, tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to hear about John”.

Katy Hill credited Noakes as being behind her desire to present the show. She wrote on the social media site: “Saddest news about the legendary John Noakes who inspired me to want to present Blue Peter & do everything he did. The best!”

A family statement said Noakes had “endured and suffered from” Alzheimer’s disease.

It added: “While he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends, his release from continuing ill-health must be counted as a blessing.”