Staff at Lancashire newspapers are mourning the death of their colleague Tim Procter, who died of a heart attack on Monday.

The 63-year-old worked full-time as a reporter at the Nelson Leader from the late 50s before joining the Clitheroe Advertiser and Burnley Express, where he worked for the past seven years.

Tim was a keen photographer and worked freelance for the papers taking pictures alongside his writing.

His love of the camera led him to set up his own business, Tim Procter Photography, which specialised in wedding photos.

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times editor Vivien Meath said Tim had inspired hundreds of people.

She said: "Tim was the face of the Nelson Leader for many years and was a true character, very professional and charmingly old-fashioned. Everyone is very shocked at what has happened and he will be sorely missed.

"He was a massive inspiration to hundreds of journalists and would-be journalists and very many people he had helped along the way kept in touch with him."

News editor at the Nelson Leader, Peter Dewhurst said: "Tim was a very well respected figure and a renowned fire engine chaser. He was a really entertaining colleague to work with."

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