Norris McWhirter, founder of the Guinness Book of Records, has died aged 78, his family has announced.
Mr McWhirter fell ill while playing tennis at his Wiltshire home on Monday evening.
The founder editor of the Guinness Book of Records, Mr McWhirter appeared regularly on the classic BBC children's show Record Breakers.
He was less known for his activities supporting the right wing of the political spectrum.
Mr McWhirter's family said in a statement: "Norris cared passionately about Great Britain, democracy and the rule of law and was always active in politics, but usually behind the scenes.
"The two things he attached most importance to were the freedom of the individual and the sovereignty of the United Kingdom."
Mr McWhirter and his identical twin brother Ross both enjoyed successful career s in athletics before entering journalism and joining the BBC as sports commentators.
In November 1975 Ross was assassinated by the IRA, a tragedy which Mr McWhirter said stayed with him for the rest of his life.
The brothers had set up the Guinness Book of Records together in 1954 and both co-presented Record Breakers, which first hit the nation's TV screens in 1972.
He is survived by his wife Tessa, daughter Jane and son Alasdair.
Mr McWhirter fell ill while playing tennis at his Wiltshire home on Monday evening.
The founder editor of the Guinness Book of Records, Mr McWhirter appeared regularly on the classic BBC children's show Record Breakers.
He was less known for his activities supporting the right wing of the political spectrum.
Mr McWhirter's family said in a statement: "Norris cared passionately about Great Britain, democracy and the rule of law and was always active in politics, but usually behind the scenes.
"The two things he attached most importance to were the freedom of the individual and the sovereignty of the United Kingdom."
Mr McWhirter and his identical twin brother Ross both enjoyed successful career s in athletics before entering journalism and joining the BBC as sports commentators.
In November 1975 Ross was assassinated by the IRA, a tragedy which Mr McWhirter said stayed with him for the rest of his life.
The brothers had set up the Guinness Book of Records together in 1954 and both co-presented Record Breakers, which first hit the nation's TV screens in 1972.
He is survived by his wife Tessa, daughter Jane and son Alasdair.
