The founding news editor of a weekly newspaper for Liverpool’s Catholic community has died aged 83.

Tributes have been paid to John Short, who was part of the team who launched the Liverpool Catholic Pictorial in 1962.

John began his career in journalism at the Birkenhead Advertiser after opting against a career in the priesthood, before spending three years at the St Helens Reporter and a year at the Liverpool Daily Post.

While at the Post he was headhunted by Catholic Pictorial founder Norman Cresswell.

John – who sometimes performed the roles of editor, news editor and lay-out sub-editor at the paper – oversaw its rise to a peak circulation of 43,000.

The paper, which is distributed at the back of churches in the city, still survives today.

Later in his career, John worked subbing shifts at the Guardian, while studying for a social studies degree at Liverpool University and an MA at the University of Leicester.

He also lectured in journalism at Trinity and All Saints College, near Leeds, as well as Ulster University.

Former colleague Chris Johnson said: “Working for John was always a thrill and a challenge. He was very patient and a real inspiration.”

John passed away at his home last Tuesday following a battle with cancer. He is survived by wife Hilda, daughter Emma and son David.