A much-loved East London reporter who began and ended his 53-year career with the same newspaper has died aged 70.

Born in Essex in January 1938, Dave Pringle, left, started his journalistic life with the then West Essex Gazette in 1955 as a junior reporter.

His talent as a sports reporter shone through and he was made sports editor in 1961.

Dave then went on to become a partner of Photocall Features picture news agency in the 60s during which time he was afforded the honour of joining the Press Association’s reporting squad for the 1966 World Cup.

His career then progressed to the Daily Mirror and specialists car publications before officially retiring five years ago.

Unable to stay away from the newsroom, Dave returned like a prodigal son to the West Essex Gazette – now under the guise of Newsquest’s East London and West Essex Guardian Series.

He was charged with developing the junior sport section and during the following five years ensured that the local junior football scene was well covered with reports as well as photos.

Despite his deteriorating health – Dave had diabetes and only one complete lung – he was still working with the Guardian two weeks prior to his death last week.

Guardian Series sports editor Peter King said: “He was such a likeable fellow and was like a granddad to the junior football community.

“He always came back from matches with great pictures and copy and his experience made him such a valuable member of the team.

“He kept his sense of humour right to the end, even when he was being rushed to hospital.

Two weeks after he left, we were missing him already – we’re going to miss him even more now.

“The memory of the man will live on and that is a true indication of the legend he was to us all.”

Dave is survived by his 95-year-old mother Mary, wife Beryl, children Graham, Dena and Tanya and seven grandchildren.

His funeral takes place on 1 December at 11.30am at St Mary Magdalene Church, Harlow, followed by cremation at Harlow Crematorium at 12.30pm.

Donations are invited to charities Diabetes UK and the British Lung Foundation and can be sent to the funeral directors: Daniel Robinson and Sons, Wych Elm, Harlow, CM20 1QP.