Martin Mason was for many years the Newport-based daily's political reporter.

He began his working life in the Merchant Navy, saw service in the Second World War and carried on working until the end of last year.

He had freelanced in London and was for some years the editor of the South London Advertister series, a post he quit to move to Newport.

Said former colleague Nicole Garnon: "Martin was a journalist of the old school - quick to latch on to a story and impartial in its reporting.

"In his latter days he worked as a freelance and remained a familiar and welcome sight in the Argus newsroom."

An evening in Martin's name is being held on Friday 5 December in Newport and any ex-Argus employees are invited to atttend.

Further information is available from nicole.garnon@southwalesargus.co.uk