Dave Goodman, the Stoke Sentinel’s ‘Grey Power’ columnist, has died following a sudden illness.

Mr Goodman, 85, used his column to champion the cause of the elderly and he repeatedly urged the Government to restore an ‘adequate’ state pension.

Just days before his death, he described how he was looking forward to the challenge of persuading politicians to place pensioners’ rights at the forefront of election campaigns.

Throughout his life, Mr Goodman was known for making a stand on important issues.

He helped fight facism in the Spanish Civil War and spent 10 months in a barbaric prisoner of war camp for his troubles.

At the age of 50 he became a mature student and worked as a lecturer at Staffordshire University.

Last year he was awarded an Honoury Doctor of Letters degree by Staffordshire University for his contribution to lifelong learning.

The Sentinel’s head of news, Martin Tideswell said: “Dave’s death is a tremendous loss, not only to North Staffordshire but to the whole of the grey power and pensioners’ movement.

“He was a tireless fighter for the elderly and for better pensions and devoted all of his life to helping others.

“It is difficult to estimate how far this loss will be felt considering he was a leading figure and held in high esteem by everyone who knew him and his work to achieve a better life for pensioners.

“He was a compassionate, gentle, erudite and thoughtful man.”

Jim Cessford of North Staffordshire TUC said: “He was an inspirational character. We must make sure his legacy lives on.”

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