A former regional daily picture editor and training chief who until recently still provided photographs for the newspaper has died aged 68.

Tributes have been paid to Peter Dash, left, who worked at the South Wales Argus and was also involved with the National Council for the Training of Journalists for many years.

Described as a “positive influence” in the Newport-based daily’s newsroom, Peter continued to provide tip-offs about stories in his hometown of Blackwood after leaving the paper.

During his career he covered everything from the miners’ strike to sporting triumphs.

Argus editor Kevin Ward said: “Peter was the picture editor when I joined the Argus as a down table sub-editor in 1989. He was always happy to provide advice and pass on his knowledge which, for a young journalist like me working on a daily newspaper for the first time, was invaluable.

“He was a great news photographer with a love of the job and had a wonderful rapport with people. What he didn’t know about the local area wasn’t worth knowing.”

Deputy editor Nicole Garnon, who worked alongside him for many years, added: “Peter lived and breathed the job. He loved the fact that he was very much a part of the community and that he was able to help tell their stories.

“He was a great influence in the newsroom, full of good advice but also full of stories and laughter.”

The NCTJ has also paid tribute to Peter for his many years training young photojournalists, having served as chairman and chief examiner of its photography examinations board.

Steve Phillips, current chief examiner for press photography, added: “I was privileged to work with Peter at the South Wales Argus and on the NCTJ’s photography board, where Peter worked tirelessly for many years as chairman to maintain high quality training for young press photographers.

“He was simply Mr South Wales Argus. Everyone in his locality knew and trusted him.

“He had a gift for quickly getting to know where anyone was from and who their family was. He will be sorely missed within the press and press photography community.”

Peter is survived by his wife Christine and mother Peggy.