Former Huddersfield Examiner executive Christopher Dicks has died aged 77.

Christopher, from Almondbury, Huddersfield, was honoured by the Queen in 1996 with an OBE for his services to newspapers.

He died suddenly while on holiday in New Zealand visiting his daughter.

Christopher joined the Examiner in 1951 and worked as general manager and director before becoming managing director in 1974. He retired in 1995.

Away from the paper he also served as president of the Newspaper Society in its 150th year, in 1986, chairman of the Press Association and chairman of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher said: “Christopher Dicks was the financial brains behind the NCTJ for many years.

“Since his first involvement as chair of the finance committee in 1968 he charted the NCTJ through both stormy and calm waters until his retirement from the board in 2004.

“Serving two terms as chairman, the strengths of the organisation today, particularly its firm financial footing, are due in no small part to Christopher’s outstanding skill, dedication and support.”

NCTJ chairman Joanne Butcher added: “Christopher was regarded with great affection and respect by everyone who was involved closely with the NCTJ over many years and this news marks the end of a significant chapter in NCTJ’s history.

“He was an enormous support to me personally particularly during my first 18 months at the NCTJ but also after he retired from our board in 2004.”