FAMILY and friends came together at a special event yesterday to celebrate the lives of much-loved writer, presenter and author Dave Lanning and his wife Leona.

Dave, a renowned journalist and sports commentator, passed away in October 2016, while his wife of 57 years passed away last February.

Organised by the couple’s three children, Alyson, Russell and Phil, the event at the Sandbanks Hotel on Friday afternoon brought guests from across Dave’s working life together in the same room for the first time.

The majority of the couple’s seven grandchildren were at the event, along with their first great grandchild.

Phil said it was the perfect occasion to remember his parents’ lives.

“Dad would have never organised something like this for himself, so this truly is a special afternoon.

“It is such a nice setting for all of us to share memories and celebrate.”

Emotive and touching speeches were given from son Russell, Dave’s close friends Johnny Morris and Warren Breach, and Dan Waddell, son of Dave’s co-commentator and fellow master of the microphone Sid Waddell.

Russell recalled some of his father’s favourite tales from the world of sport.

He also reflected on Dave’s devotion to his family and said the audience before him had proved his father wrong.

“One of dad’s great sayings around the dining table at my parents’ home was “you’re quickly forgotten”,” Russell said.

“As I look around this room today and see the faces of so many people here to pay tribute to his life, all I can say is you got so many things right dad, but thanks to your friends, colleagues and family I’m delighted to say you got this one completely wrong.”

Born in Poole in March 1938, Dave’s passion for speedway started when he watched racing at the Poole track in 1948 and eventually led to him becoming one of the most recognisable voices in sports commentary.

Dan Waddell shared stories of his father Sid’s times with Dave, after the duo met in 1972.

Describing their acquaintance as a “unique friendship”, Dan encapsulated the craft and magic many sports fans came to know and love while watching the darts.

Other guests at the celebration included Poole Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch and Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark, as well as a number of other former colleagues from Dave’s impressive and broad career.