A former editor who worked for a weekly title for 46 years has lost his long battle with cancer.

David Johnstone, who has died aged 70, started out on the Berwickshire News as a junior reporter in 1959 and became editor 15 years later.

He remained in the chair for more than 30 years before ill-health forced his retirement in 2005.

Former colleagues have paid tribute to a man they described as “an excellent journalist” and a “true gentleman.”

Tony Lamgmack, who edited sister title the Berwick Advertiser said it had been a privilege and a pleasure to be a close friend and colleague of David’s for nearly 55 years.

He added: “David was an excellent journalist, fair, accurate, dependable and totally committed to the Berwickshire News.

“He was proud of the team of reporters and photographers he led. David spearheaded the paper’s successful drive into Dunbar and East Lothian and played a key role in saving the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in the 1990s.

“His contribution to Berwickshire and the eastern Borders was immense, his friendship was priceless.”

David, pictured, was credited with initiating a successful campaign to keep Berwickshire in the Borders after a local government reorganisation in the 90s raised the possibility that it could be merged with East Lothian.

Sandy Brydon, the paper’s current deputy editor recalls: “Keep Berwickshire in the Borders stickers sprang up everywhere and the campaign was a complete success thanks to David and the Berwickshire News.

“Berwickshire’s proud identity was retained and it remained as part of the Borders. Not many people can say that they’ve saved a county!

“Berwickshire and the Borders has lost a true gentleman and our sympathies go to David’s wife Liz and their family.”

Under David’s leadership was named Weekly Newspaper of The Year at the BT Scotland Press and Broadcast Awards in 1997.

Outside the office David’s passion was horses and he and his wife Liz bred and schooled horses with considerable success.