Former Derby Evening Telegraph journalist Geoff Hammerton has died, aged 73.

Famed for his theatre reviews and ability to create cryptic crossword puzzles, he worked at the Evening Telegraph from 1958 until 1987, when he took early retirement due to arthritis, but continued to contribute as a theatre critic until 2000.

Affectionately known as G.D.H, his career saw him also work at the Evening Telegraph as a reporter, deputy chief sub-editor and compiler of the weekly crossword.

He also wrote a column called The Mertons, which featured his own family members, and published two books - Front Page News in 1989 and The Derby Scene in 1993.

Chris Ward, commercial features editor for the Evening Telegraph, said Geoff had an impish sense of humour.

He said: "Geoff compiled a series on the A to Z of Derbyshire places which was timed to end on April 1 with the village of Zanisham.

"Despite the giveaway name and the date, many readers took it seriously and the AA was apparently inundated with calls from people asking how to find it."

Geoff leaves wife Carol, two children, Paul and Sophie, and a grandson.