A former regional daily editor who spent time working on Fleet Street has died at the age of 71.

Peter Chislett, left, began his career in local newspapers and went on to become editor of the Hartlepool Mail in 1981, while also spending time as editor of the Advertiser series in Darlington.

After starting out at regional titles, he progressed to Fleet Street, where he worked for a number of national newspapers and also for Associated Press news agency.

Peter then took up the post of news editor at The News in Portsmouth, before heading north to Hartlepool,

The Mail reported that Peter died in St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester, after a short illnes

Northern Echo editor Peter Barron tweeted: “Sorry to hear that Peter Chislett, former editor of the Hartlepool Mail and Advertiser Series in Darlington, has died. Nice man.”

While working in Portsmouth, Peter met his future wife Philippa and they were married for six years, having a daughter Victoria.

He also pursued his love of tennis whuile at the South Coast paper, playing for Lee on Solent Tennis Club.

After his move to Hartlepool Peter was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and retired early.

He continued to work part-time for local newspapers and returned to the south to live in West Sussex.

Peter’s funeral will be held at Chichester Crematorium on 12 February at 10.15am. He leaves a brother, David, and a daughter, Victoria.