The Sentinel and Sentinel Sunday award-winning columnist, Peter Bossley, has died suddenly at the age of 42.

Peter, who was born in Sunderland, was found dead at his home in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Thursday evening.

He joined The Sentinel as a feature writer in 1996 before becoming features editor of The Sentinel and then production editor of Sentinel Sunday.

Peter, (left), had previously worked for the Burton Mail and South Manchester Reporter, and away from work was a member of the infamous Macc Lads in the 1980s. The band’s work still retains a cult following.

At the time of his death, he was an assistant editor on The Sentinel.

In April 2001 he was voted Columnist of the Year in the UK Regional Press Awards.

He also earned a place in the final six of the Columnist of the Year category at the Regional Press Awards in June 2002.

In April of this year, Peter was again shortlisted in the Columnist of the Year category at the Midlands Media Awards.

Sean Dooley, editor in chief of Staffordshire Sentinel Newspapers, said: “As our readers will know, Peter was a brilliant columnist, ever prepared to give his opinion on subjects from the Iraq war to the contemporary music scene.

“His passions provoked praise and fury in equal measure from correspondents, but you could never fail to be moved by his writing and it was no surprise that he was continually recognised for his work in national awards.

“Contrary to his public face, Peter was a quiet and gentle person who will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues inside and outside journalism.

“His death is a great shock to us all.”

North Staffordshire coroner Ian Smith has been informed and a post mortem is being carried out to establish the cause of death.