A local press writer who avidly covered non-league football has died of a heart attack aged 76.

Peter Hallett, left, from Cheshire, started reporting on matches for The Sentinel, in Stoke-on-Trent, when it launched its weekly sports supplement the Green ‘Un in 1989.

He specialised in the covering the North West Counties League – the ninth and tenth tiers of English football – and reported on over 800 games.

His work took him from the unglamorous surroundings on non-league football grounds to Wembley Stadium in 1990 when Leek Town reached the final of the FA Trophy.

Peter was known for his honest, unbiased view, turning out in all weathers to cover and promote non-league football as well as fundraising work with hometown club Congleton Town.

The Sentinel sports editor Keith Wales said a little bit of what made the newspaper’s local coverage so special had been lost.

“Come rain, shine or snow, Peter would be there at some game or other,” said.

“His dedication to the non-league cause was remarkable.

“I think many local clubs will realise the great debt they owe Peter Hallett for the promotion of the non-league game in South Cheshire and North Staffordshire.

“He will be sorely missed, and a very hard act to follow.”

Newcastle Town’s chief executive Ken Walshaw added: “Peter always talked positively and put clubs in a good light. He will be a sad loss to local non-league football.”

Peter was born in Wolverhampton and became managing director of a chemical company.

In recent years he worked a marketing lecturer at Staffordshire University.