A former production editor who hailed from a long line of South Coast journalists has died aged 83.

John Martin worked at the Brighton Argus for almost 50 years as deputy chief sub, features editor and production editor until he retired in 1995.

His grandfather Albert Martin was the first editor of the now defunct Hastings Argus in 1891, and his father Joseph Martin also worked for the paper.

Mr Martin’s stepdaughter Louise Brooks said: “He had a long family history at The Argus. John even met his wife Dorothy there as she also worked there.”

Argus columnist Adam Trimingham paid tribute to his former colleague, describing him as “a charming journalist in the best of the old school ways.”

He said: “New technology came in during his time at The Argus and he showed an instinctive and wonderful grasp of it, which was rather wonderful as he wasn’t that young then.”

Mr Martin died at his home in Brighton last week. His funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.