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Former press photographer loses cancer battle

Tributes have been paid to a former regional press photographer who has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 62.

Ian Winter worked for Newcastle’s The Journal for more than 30 years, from June 1976 until January 2009.

He started his career at the Berwick Advertiser before moving to the Shields Gazette then The Journal.

Ian was diagnosed with prostate cancer more than five years ago but lost his battle with the disease last month in hospital.

His wife Karen said: “He fought his illness every step of the way after he was diagnosed over five years ago.

“He kept going into work even while he was getting his chemotherapy but would sometimes have to come home early, he was a fighter.

“He loved his job and really enjoyed his work. He said he was privileged to do that job and he could not have imagined doing anything else.”

After joining The Journal, Ian went on to become a senior photographer before serving as deputy picture editor.

He also enjoyed motor-racing and travelled around the world to take part in events.

Rod Wilson, a former picture editor on Newcastle’s Evening Chronicle, said: “He was a very professional photographer and a good friend. He was a smashing lad and a really good operator and a great photographer.

“We became friends, not just colleagues and we started racing together and did a lot of autocrossing in the 1970s.”

Friend and former colleague Stuart Outterside, added: “All the big rally drivers in the North East knew him. It was one of his passions and he was always involved in it.

“He was a skillful photographer and he could create nice fun pictures. He was a genuine all-rounder. His whole life was journalism, it was his passion as well. He was a really good guy.”