A freelance photographer and columnist who worked in regional press for more than three decades has lost his battle with cancer.

Geoff Roberts, described as “the best-liked freelance photographer on Merseyside”, died last week at the age of 64 – less than a fortnight after marrying his long-term partner in a hospital ceremony.

He worked for the Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post for around 35 years, having broken into the industry in 1981 with his eye-catching images of the Toxteth Riots.

Former picture editor at the Post and Echo, Richard Williams, paid tribute to the “incredibly hard and reliable worker”.

Said Richard:  “He was always in demand over his 35 year career in press and public relations work,” he said.

“I worked alongside Geoff both as picture editor and photographer for 35 years and have fond memories of him.

“He was probably the best known and best liked freelance photographer on Merseyside. In a highly competitive profession he was a respected friend to his fellow cameramen, those who commissioned him and the people he photographed.”

As well as his photography work, Geoff penned a financial advice column during the 90s and authored a book reflecting his interest in early Christianity, challenging current opinion based on his own research of the Gnostic Gospels.

Geoff was diagnosed with prostate cancer several years ago, but continued to work until earlier this year when he became too ill.

He married his long-term partner Audrey in a ceremony at the Royal Liverpool Hospital less than two weeks before his death.

His friend and former colleague John Davidson added: “Geoff combined his expertise as a photographer with an impressive knowledge of the world of business and finance.

“He was liked and respected, not only for his talent with a camera, but for his reliability and dedication to the job, and the personal charm to brought to bear to with great effect on any assignment.

“Geoff was a great conversationalist and always genuinely interested in people and what they had to say. I am proud to have known him. He was my best mate and a real one-off.”