An award-winning reporter who spent his entire career at the same regional daily has died aged 84.

Tributes have been paid to Peter Myerscough, formerly of The Gazette, Blackpool, who ex-colleagues have lauded for his “local knowledge and ingrained skill”.

Peter, pictured left, was born and raised in Thornton, near Blackpool, and joined The Gazette after leaving school.

He worked as a news reporter and a features writer, winning awards for his motoring coverage and spending more than 40 years at the newspaper.

David Upton, a former deputy editor of The Gazette said: “Peter’s local knowledge and ingrained skill contributed so much to the newspaper through the second half of the 20th century.

“He was a writer who could turn his pen to hard news reporting, elegantly-written features and, latterly, was the paper’s award-winning motoring correspondent.

“All was achieved with a wry sense of humour that enabled him to wittily puncture any pomposity he might come across in the resort’s corridors of power – besides being able to do a pretty good impression of some of its characters.

“Known affectionately, by colleagues, through his middle name Rodney he was a joy to work with, as well as an esteemed reporter of an exciting time in the development of Blackpool and the Fylde coast.”

Peter suffered a stroke last month, and passed away on 22 March.

He had three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His wife, Agnes, died 10 years ago.

Peter’s daughter Jane, 53, told The Gazette: “He thoroughly enjoyed working at the newspaper and
 continued to read it.

“He thought it was always a good newspaper, perhaps better now than in his day.”

She added: “He was fiercely independent. He was fit as a flea, still active and driving, chatting up the ladies. He liked photography and animals and would still go abroad.

“He enjoyed his retirement, loved his grandchildren and saw his family regularly.”

A remembrance service will be held at St Nicholas Owen Catholic Church, Little Thornton, at 2pm today prior to burial at Thornton Parish Church Yard at 3pm.