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Tributes have been paid to writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah who has died aged 65.

Authors and poets are among some of the people who have paid their respects to him.

A statement posted on his Instagram account said: "We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news."

Who was Benjamin Zephaniah?

Benjamin Zephaniah was a British writer and poet who is well known for his particular style of poetry.

He often performed his poems to music, or a beat, that drew on the rhythms of reggae.

Zephaniah was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, the son of a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse.

He was dyslexic and left school aged 13, unable to read or write.

He went on to become very successful, and in 2008 he was included in The Times list of Britain's top 50 post-war writers.

He also wrote five novels as well as poetry for children, and his first book for younger readers, Talking Turkeys, was a huge success when it was published in 1994.

Zephaniah wrote about things that he was passionate about like politics and society, and he often spoke out about issues such as racism and education.

Zephaniah famously rejected an OBE due to the association of the honour with the British Empire and its history of slavery.

His message to people thinking of taking up poetry was: "You are important and me, and the world, need to hear your voice".

What has been said about him?

"Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator. He gave the world so much," the statement announcing his death said.

"Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy."

A statement from the Black Writers' guild, which Zephaniah helped set up, said: "Our family of writers is in mourning at the loss of a deeply valued friend and a titan of British literature. Benjamin was a man of integrity and an example of how to live your values."

Children's author Michael Rosen, said: "I admired him, respected him, learnt from him, loved him. Love and condolences to the family and to all who loved him too."

Comedian, actor and writer Lenny Henry said: "I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Benjamin Zephaniah. His passion for poetry, his advocacy for education for all was tireless."

The X/Twitter account for Premier League football club Aston Villa, the team Zephaniah supported, said everyone at the club was "deeply saddened" by the news.