Tamworth Herald photographer Gordon Watt has died at 49.

Gordon joined Central Independent Newspapers in June 2005 full time but had worked on a freelance basis two years before that.

He is remembered as a polite, courteous, cheerful and polite man who made numerous friends in his time with the Herald.

Group editor of CIN, Gary Phelps, paid tribute to Gordon’s talent.

He said: “Gordon was a terrifically talented photographer who was passionate about his job and role in the community.

“Wherever he went his enthusiasm rubbed off on others, which gave his pictures an extraordinary vibrancy.”

He went on to mention the legacy Gordon had left behind, saying, “Gordon was a great ambassador for our newspaper, someone who our readers know, recognise and trust.

“Through his work, Gordon captured life in our area in all its many aspects. His photographs are a fitting legacy to a wonderful man.”

In tribute to Gordon, the Herald published several of his photographs in the edition after his death.