A former newspaper sports editor has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 76.

Norman Taylor passed away peacefully at Macclesfield Hospital on Friday 27 April after a long battle with cancer.

Following a stint as a steam train driver in his early years he became sports editor at Derbyshire weekly newspaper the Matlock Mercury in 1989, retiring after ten years.

He then joined High Peak Radio in 2004 where he worked as a sports reporter and presenter for eight years.

Danny Cammiade, chief operating officer of the newspapers’ owners Johnston Press, said: “Norman to me represented everything that is good about truly local journalism: unlimited enthusiasm and knowledge of local sport and its impact on the community.

“I remember the great pride he had in the Matlock Mercury and its sports pages, as well as his legendary sense of fun. From my time in Derbyshire I know what a very popular colleague he was.”

Norman was a keen athlete and played football and cricket as a junior and had formerly been a member of Buxton Cycling Club. He was a veteran runner and took part in numerous marathons and running events – including his first London Marathon at the age of 42.

He was also one of the founding members of Buxton & District Athletic Club, and the founding father of the club’s juniors, formerly known as the ‘T-Squad’. His positive influence was felt in the club and the athletics community for over 30 years.

Norman, who also drew caricatures of football players, designed the club logo and continued his association by becoming club president. He had coached numerous local athletes to international standard.

Club chairman Nigel Critchlow said: “Norman’s wit and dry humour endeared him to everyone he met, he had a story for every occasion, as well as a sketch. Thanks for everything Norman, we’ll never forget you.”

His dedication to sport saw him named East Midlands Sporting Personality of the Year in 1988, and the veteran sports reporter was also honoured by High Peak Borough Council for his services to local sport in 2008.

Norman’s funeral will take place at St John’s Church, Buxton, on Wednesday 9 May at 11.30am, followed by committal at Macclesfield Crematorium.

Football matches in the area held a minutes silence at the weekend as a mark of respect.