Newcastle Evening Chronicle journalist Brian Severs has died, aged 56.

He had been one of company's longest serving members of staff, joining in 1971.

He first worked at the Chronicle's sister paper, The Journal, as a linotype operator and compositor.

In 1987 he left the composing room to retrain as a journalist and worked as a reporter, feature writer and sub-editor.

Chronicle editor Paul Robertson said: "We are all deeply saddened and shocked by Brian's death.

"He was a popular and talented member of staff always willing to help younger colleagues."

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