A former regional press journalist has died after losing a battle with cancer.

Gordon Ducker, who worked for The Star in Sheffield, was 62 and passed away after suffering from cancer of the intestine.

He moved to south Yorkshire from London where he worked for The Star in the 1970s.

He later moved to Manchester where he wrote for the Sunday and Daily Express before returning to London to take up several senior positions at the Daily Express.

Gordon took early retirement in 2000 and was diagnosed with cancer in December 2006.

Friend and former Star colleague Peter Goodman said: “Even though he was a true Londoner, Gordon really took South Yorkshire to his heart and was very happy living and working here, and he retained a special affection for the area throughout his life.

“He was a dedicated hard working reporter who loved his job and loved meeting people.

“On his last visit here with Diana (his wife), even though he was ill, he was still his cheerful self, happily recalling tales of his time at The Star.”

He is survived by his Diana, son James, (28), daughters Georgina, (31), Mary, (30), and eight grandchildren.