Former Press and Journal journalist Jonas Smith has died, aged 72.

He had worked at the Aberdeen-based newspaper for more than 20 years, joining as a sub-editor in the early 1970s.

Later he became deputy chief sub-editor, before being appointed deputy features editor in 1985. He stayed at the paper until his retirement in 1997.

Before joining the P&J Jonas had enjoyed a varied journalism career, including time at the Daily Mail and The Times.

He also had a spell running his own newspaper in Suffolk, as well as working for trade journal Gas World.

Throughout his life he was a keen angler and wrote a column about his hobby.

He also had a lifelong passion for golf, which he continued to play throughout his retirement.

He is survived by his wife Ruth and children Adam, Sean, Sarah and Chloe.