Tributes have been paid to a former Gloucestershire Echo photographer who has died aged 79.

Keith Casswell worked for the Echo from 1968 to 1984 after becoming interested in photography during the Second World War when he swapped a German pistol for an American GI's camera while serving as an Army despatch rider.

He joined the Gloucestershire Regiment in 1940 and transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals, where he saw service in Germany.

After leaving the army Keith opened a photographic shop and later got a job as the ship's photographer for the Cunard Line and worked on the ocean liners The Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and The Coronia, sailing around the world twice.

He was proud that the Queen Mother once sent him a letter thanking him for his pictures.

After five years at sea, Keith returned to Cheltenham and worked for engineering firm Delapena as an industrial photographer before joining the Echo in 1968.

The Echo's current editor, Anita Syvret, met Keith every year at the Echo pensioners' Christmas party.

She said: "He was a journalist of the old school who we remember with much fondness.

"He evidently loved people and was ever charming and kind.

"Even in his 70s he would help round up the pensioners for a photoshoot with all the skill of a true professional.

"He will be sadly missed this year."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk