Tributes have been paid to much-loved Bath journalist Jack Brennen, who has died aged 71.

Jack, who was as a former editor of the Wiltshire Times and former deputy chief sub-editor at the Bath Chronicle, had been diagnosed with lung cancer and died at the Royal United Hospital.

Jack (pictured) continued to work at the Wiltshire Times until his retirement in 1993, during which he was able to indulge his passion for golf.

Keith Gale, deputy editor of the paper, based in Trowbridge, said Jack had been a popular editor, whose contact with staff had endured over time.

He said: "Jack Brennen was a proud Scot, and he was equally proud of his 12-year editorship of the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News from 1981-1993, when he retired.

"Colleagues who still work at the Wiltshire Times remember him with affection, and have paid tribute to his leadership and integrity.

"Many of his former colleagues have continued to keep in touch with Mr Brennen and his family.

"During his time as editor, Mr Brennen launched the now highly successful free newspaper The Star.

"He also revived a former Wiltshire Times edition, the Devizes Times."

Gerald Walker was the chief sub-editor at the Chronicle when Jack was his deputy.

He said: "He was a super chap.

"To sum him up, he was the ideal journalist - accurate, fair, fearless and totally reliable, and a very, very good colleague too at a personal level.

"People in Bath and Wiltshire are very much in his debt for all he did for them as a journalist."

Former Chronicle editor Maurice Boardman remembered Jack as an amiable and conscientious employee.

He said: "He was a loyal and talented colleague to whom I owe more than even he knew."

Chronicle assistant editor Paul Wiltshire said: "It is clear from the tributes of people who worked with him Jack Brennen was a much-respected journalist, part of a proud tradition of dedicated people who have shared their talents with the Chronicle during their careers.

"A lot of people will be sadder for his passing."

Jack leaves his wife Jean and two daughters Linda and Judith.

His funeral is at Haycombe Crematorium, Bath at 3pm on February 6.