Keith Hall, the former director of the NCTJ and former editor of the Burnley Express, has died after a battle with cancer.

Keith, who was 70, had also worked on the Lancashire Evening Post and was a long time member of the old Guild of Editors.

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: "All the directors and staff of the NCTJ were very sorry to hear about Keith Hall's illness and the sad news that his battle with cancer ended last Thursday.

"Keith was held in a great deal of affection by all the staff who worked with him at the NCTJ from 1986 to 1993.

"He was a popular and charismatic person with a generous and warm-hearted spirit.

"It was typically kind of Keith to write to me with his congratulations and good wishes following my own appointment as chief executive last year. I had the greatest respect for his passion and commitment to journalism, training and the newspaper industry.

"When I saw him last July he looked so happy and well; he spoke enthusiastically about the retirement he was enjoying with his family and his many interests.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, daughter and family."

Keith leaves his wife Jacqui, daughter Sally and two grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Great St. Mary's Church in Sawbridgeworth, Herts, on Monday, August 16 at 3pm.

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