'A fearless champion of Welsh children's rights'.

Byline: By Katie Bodinger South Wales Echo 

Tributes have been paid to the Children's Commissioner for Wales, Peter Clarke, who has died after a battle with cancer.

Mr Clarke, 58, pioneered the role in the UK of a children's 'champion', when he became the first such commissioner on March 1, 2001.

He died yesterday, with wife Jenny and two sons at his side.

Mr Clarke is probably best known for conducting a major public inquiry into child sexual abuse in a Welsh secondary school - the Clywch Inquiry - which resulted in improvements to safeguards for children in Wales and throughout the UK.

The investigation looked into how drama teacher John Owen serially sexually abused pupils over two decades at Welsh medium school Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, in Pontypridd, before committing suicide.

Mr Clarke repeatedly raised concerns about inadequacies in systems to enable vulnerable youngsters to voice concerns about their care.

He was formerly Director of ChildLine Cymru/Wales, a position he held for more than five years, and before that had been Director in Wales of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said Mr Clarke always fulfilled his duties with passion, dedication and commitment.

'He had the difficult job of establishing the office of Children's Commissioner from scratch and worked tirelessly to develop his demanding role,' he said.

Children's Minister Jane Hutt appointed Mr Clarke to the commissioner's post and said he became a 'a significant and authoritative voice' for children and young people.

Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones described Mr Clarke as a 'fearless champion of children's rights'.

He said: 'He was ready to challenge all the old assumptions and made sure children's voices were heard even when that made difficult hearing for those in power.'

Acting Commissioner Maria Battle added: 'We all took strength from the tremendous courage that Peter showed in the face of his illness and from his continued determination to speak up for Wales' children and young people. He has inspired his staff to take his vision forward.'

For the Liberal Democrats, Peter Black AM said Mr Clarke 'was a persistent fighter whose campaigns on behalf of young people have helped to set the agenda in Wales for many years to come'.

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain said Mr Clarke was never afraid to stand up and be counted.

He said: 'It is a credit to Peter's commitment and success that England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all followed the Welsh lead to establish similar children's commissioner roles.'

Welsh Conservatives' spokesman on health and social services Jonathan Morgan AM said:

'His focus on social care, mental health issues and advocacy gave the Assembly the expert and independent viewpoint which we needed.

'He will be a hard act to follow.'

Before his death, Mr Clarke said: 'I know that my team are committed to making sure that children and young people are protected, and their rights and interests promoted, in the way that I would wish.'