Tributes have poured in to a Yorkshire newspaper following the death of popular former editor Barry Salmon.

He was editor of the Batley and Birstall News for eight years up until his retirement in 2002.

He died at home in Mansfield, Notts, after a long illness, aged 64.

His career in journalism spanned more than 40 years, taking in posts at Mansfield, Doncaster, Malta, Hong Kong, Leamington Spa, Ossett, Dewsbury and Batley.

He was named Yorkshire Journalist of the Year in 1999 and became part of the community, serving with many local voluntary groups.

Reporter group editor-in-chief John Wilson hailed Barry as one of life’s true gentlemen.

He said: “He was modest and talented and one of those people who could keep his head when everyone around him was losing theirs. He was looked up to by everyone who worked with him and was one of the best colleagues you could have.”

Former group editor-in-chief Danny Lockwood added: “Barry was one of the old school of journalists. He was a ‘pro’ who knew the newspaper business inside out, from writing a simple district news paragraph, to putting a paper to bed.”

Friend and former colleague Malcolm Haigh said: “Although he didn’t come from Batley he threw himself into the heart of all its business. He gave his time, his skills, and his very being into improving the town in every way he could.”

Another friend and former colleague Adele Latham added: “Barry’s number one priority was Batley. Even though he was not from Batley he did more for the town than anyone else ever did.”