A lecturer who taught thousands of journalism students about media law has died aged 66.

Tributes have been paid to Dr Paul Gubbins, pictured left, of Staffordshire University, who had been due to retire at the end of this month.

Paul, affectionately known as ‘Gubbo’, had lectured on media law for more than 10 years.

Paul spent most of his career in higher education and had a passion for the international language Esperanto.

Pete Leydon, the university’s head of journalism, said: “Our legendary media law lecturer was truly one of a kind. He taught thousands of journalism students over the last decade or more in his own unique, wonderful style, and was a great friend to all his colleagues and students.

“He brought an intensive, difficult subject to life with great humour, insight and intelligence. He has helped to produce thousands of journalists who now operate with full knowledge of the law.

“He was retiring this summer and the department helped to give him the warm, intimate send-off he thoroughly deserved after dedicating so much of his time to Staffordshire University.

“His death is devastating news for all of us, and our thoughts are now with his family. He will always be remembered and cherished by the journalism family.”

Shorthand lecturer Jo Goodall said Paul would “never be forgotten”.

She added: “Paul has been described by colleagues and students as a ‘legend’. I could write a book on how he earned that title.

“I can be absolutely certain that everyone who has had the privilege to work with Paul and students who have been lucky enough to be taught by him will never ever forget him.

“An overwhelming grief has swept across the university, and tens of thousands of students, past and present have expressed their deep sadness.”