Former journalist Lionel Pickering, who made his fortune after founding one of the UK's first free newspapers, the Derby Trader, has died.

The 74-year-old, who was also the former chairman of Derby County football club, passed away at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary on Saturday after a long illness.

He had begun his career as a sports journalist at the Derby Evening Telegraph in the early 1960s, and went on to launch the Derby Trader, initially writing, designing and publishing the paper himself after returning from Australia with the concept of the free title.

He eventually sold the publication and its sister titles to the Thomson Corporation for £25m.

Lionel also ran a number of other businesses, including the Derby-based Raymonds press agency, and launched Derbyshire Now magazine.

Les Parkin, former director of Raymond's and long-time friend, said: "He was a kind, honest person, although he could be ruthless. He did a lot for charity but did not want people to know about it. He's left a big mark."

Another old friend, Tony Mather, who worked with him at the Evening Telegraph and Trader, said: "Lionel was a guy with an idea, who started from nothing in the back bedroom of a terraced house.

"He was a generous, good-natured man. If he couldn't do you a good turn he wouldn't do you a bad one."

Two years after selling the Trader Group Lionel ploughed £13m of his fortune into buying Derby County.

During his 12 years at the helm, the Rams were promoted to the Premiership and he helped pilot the club's move to Pride Park Stadium.

Simon Atkin, current owner of Raymonds, said: "Despite his millions, he was still a journalist at heart. But his true passions were for his family and Derby County."