A former regional press photographer who went on to work for a national newspaper has died from illness at the age of 80.

Gordon Amory died earlier this month in hospital after suffering from the lung condition Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

His career in the newspaper industry started when he joined the Blyth News as a junior photographer at the age of 16.

Gordon also worked at the Shields Evening News until called up for two years’ National Service, but returned to the paper.

He then moved away from the North East, spending time working in London before joining the Daily Express in Manchester.

In 1960 Gordon joined the Express’ Newcastle office and he spent the rest of his career at the national title – running up a total of 38 years there.

Friend and former colleague Alan Baxter, who was the Daily Express reporter in Newcastle, said: “We worked together for 28 years. In his time he photographed every major story in the North. He was a superb professional and was first class at every kind of photography.

“He covered all sport photography in the area and became a great friend to many of the sporting greats including Jackie Milburn and Len Shackleton.

“Also, he went out of his way to look after young photographers and many of the photographers who are working today owe so much to him for everything he did for them.”

Gordon lost his wife Beatrice last Christmas and he leaves his daughter Denise and her husband Paul.