A regional daily has paid a front page tribute to one of its most celebrated journalists who spent more than 40 years working on its sports desk.

The Gloucestershire Echo dedicated yesterday’s front page to Derek Goddard – dubbed Gloucestershire’s ‘Mr Sport’ – who died on Friday.

Derek covered Cheltenham Town FC’s exploits for the Echo from 1963 to 2006, as well as reporting on cricket and other sports.

Former colleagues and the sporting community of Gloucestershire have shared their memories of Derek, who was in his early 70s.

Roger Jackson, head of sport at the Gloucestershire Echo, said: “I worked with Derek for more than 15 years and for all that time he was the face of the Echo, certainly in the sporting world.

“He knew everyone in Cheltenham. He was outstanding newspaper man, an outstanding reporter and a really good man.  He was honest to the core and raised an awful lot of money for charity.”

Echo editor Matt Holmes added: “Derek was an absolute legend and a true gentleman. His knowledge of the game was second to none and his writing was superb.

“He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues at the Echo.”

Derek was also known for his charity work and passion for real ale, and had also been a talented sportsman in his youth.

Lord Nigel Jones, former Cheltenham MP, said: “His knowledge of real ale was legendary, which was a great help when I chaired the Parliamentary Beer Group.

“And his fundraising made life better for many less fortunate people. Derek’s contribution to Cheltenham life was immense.

“He will be sorely missed and I am sad that I will have no more conversations with him before three o’clock kick-off.”

Jon Palmer, Derek’s successor at the Echo and now Cheltenham Town’s marketing and communications manager, added: “”I grew up reading his match reports in the Echo. He played a massive part in me getting into sports journalism. He was an outstanding writer and to cover one club for 43 years is incredible.

“Derek saw some incredible changes at the club and saw it achieve what it has over the years.

“I learnt a lot from him when he retired. He gave me plenty of advice, and helped me out immeasurably in my early days.”

Derek is survived by daughters Sophie and Anna, and four grandchildren.