Northern Ireland: First commissioner for young people dies after long illness

Williams, who was 51 when he passed away after two years battling cancer, took up his role as children and young people's commissioner in 2003.

Of the four commissioners in the UK, his role had the widest remit.

He led a consultation to determine his key priorities, which received 1,700 responses from young people. He also led an investigation into vetting procedures in Northern Ireland, a review of speech therapy, and worked with young people through a youth panel. He joined the other UK commissioners to call for better treatment of young asylum seekers.

David Guilfoyle, chief executive of the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, said: "The council had the greatest respect for Nigel's integrity and devotion in the service of all young people in Northern Ireland."