Photo: Facebook

Tributes have been paid to music journalist James McLaren who died in motorway accident on Monday.

James, a writer for BBC Wales, was tragically killed in a collision with a lorry on the M48. His family have paid tribute to their 'greatly loved' son.

In a statement they say James will be: "Greatly missed both by his devastated family and his many friends".

Friends paid their respects to the talented writer on his Facebook page.

An active and highly respected member of the Welsh music community. Tributes have been paid online by Lostprophets and Funeral For A Friend.

"We're all deeply saddened to hear about James. He's been a close friend of ours for many years and will be a huge loss," said Mike Lewis of Lostprohets.

"A great supporter of Welsh music both new and old, his passion will be greatly missed. A sad loss and our thoughts go out to his family."

Matthew Davies-Kreye of Funeral For A Friend said: "I remember the conversations we used to have whenever we used to catch up, always trying to out do each other with our knowledge of 80s and 90s hardcore bands."

BBC Radio DJ Bethan Elfyn also paid tribute to James, saying: The music scene in Wales has never been particularly well documented in the national press, so to have well researched and well written articles about issues, about the history of Wales' music, and about bands sometimes outside the periphery of success was a very valuable role, one which James was always passionate about."

James will be greatly missed by staff at Gigwise who knew and worked with him.