Tributes have been paid to a former magazine publisher who has lost his battle against cancer at the age of 56.

Trevor Lee arrived at Archant Life as publisher of Yorkshire Life in 2002 and was also the launch publisher of North East Life.

Other launches with which he was involved included Pure Weddings, Peak District Life and the Yorkshire food magazine, Relish.

He left Archant Life in 2007 to set up his own business consultancy.

Former Archant Life North managing director Liz Page said: “Trevor was a larger than life character who was passionate and knowledgeable about county magazines.

“He brought drive, energy and enthusiasm to the role of publisher, always leading from the front. Whether taking over an existing magazine or planning a new launch, he made it happen. His passing is a sad loss to the publishing world.”

Esther Leach, appointed editor of Yorkshire Life by Trevor in 2005, added: “He took a chance on me as a rookie editor, something for which I will always be grateful.”

A memorial service for Trevor was held earlier this week.