A former boss of two daily newspaper titles has died after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in France.

Trevor Knowles, 73, passed away in Nice, where he was holidaying with his wife, Elaine.

The father-of-two spent nine years as general manager of the Lincolnshire Echo before moving to the same role at the Scunthorpe Telegraph in 1981.

He was to remain at Scunthorpe for 17 years, latterly as managing director, and oversaw the title’s change from an edition of the Grimsby Telegraph to a newspaper in its own right.

Trevor also served on the Council of the Newspaper Society for many years and became a well-known figure in the industry.

Former colleagues have paid tribute to man they desribed as the “perfect gentleman” and a “true professional”.

Peter Martin, who was production manager at the Grimsby Telegraph and also worked with Mr Knowles at the Hull Daily Mail, said: “Trevor was instrumental in

backing some big technological changes, such as the introduction of new computer systems and the new press and under him the Telegraph went through a long

period of growth.

“He was a very fair man and was held in very high regard by both his staff and the newspaper industry in general.”

Pat Otter, who was assistant editor at the Grimsby Telegraph during Mr Knowles’ time in charge, said: “Trevor was an excellent MD. He was a newspaper man

through and through and he really had the newspaper at heart.

“He had this accountant’s aura about him but behind that was a genuine and hugely likeable man who played a big part in the community.”

Mark Price, the current managing director of the Grimsby and Scunthorpe Media Group, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Trevor’s passing. He took me on as a young advertising rep at the Telegraph in 1987, so I have my career to thank him for and much more.

“He had time for people and led the business in an extremely efficient manner. A stickler for detail and attention to customer care, he was a true professional. He will be sadly missed by all his colleagues.”