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Press photographer loses cancer battle aged 53

A former photographer with a regional daily has lost a battle with cancer at the age of 53.

Paul Baker joined The Press, York as a darkroom assistant and eventually joined the photographic team, remaining with the paper until 2006.

After leaving the paper he was diagnosed with cancer and beat it on two occasions before it returned a third time.

Following his death last week, Press photographer Anthony Chappel-Ross penned a heartfelt tribute to his former colleague.

Wrote Amthony:  “After leaving The Press, Paul,was diagnosed with cancer, beating it not once but twice.  Tragically it was to be third time unlucky for Paul, a gentle and intelligent photographer.

“Paul was the funniest person I have known and my personal, greatest sadness is knowing I will never laugh so loudly again.

Paul was born on 29 February and so celebrated his actual birthday on only 13 occasions

Added Anthony:  “Few people take special to a supreme level. It was obvious that Paul Baker was one of those people from the very start – born on the rarest of days, leap-year day.”

Paul’s funeral will take place at the East Riding Crematorium, Langtoft, Driffield, at 10am on Wednesday.

Those attending are invited to wear a touch of green.