A war photographer who took vital pictures behind enemy lines before going on to a career in the regional press has died aged 88.

Tributes have been paid to Raymond Hoyle, who worked as chief photographer at The Gazette, Blackpool, in the 1960s and 1970s.

.At the age of 19 he served in the Second World War as an aerial photographer, flying over enemy lines to get shots of key areas for the Allies.

Later, during his time at The Gazette, he photographed everything from the seaside and surrounding countryside to Blackpool FC’s matches at their Bloomfield Road stadium.

Born in Rochdale, Raymond moved to the resort as a child

His 61-year-old son Michael said his father had been especially keen on covering sporting events.

He said: “He knew virtually everyone who was worth knowing in Blackpool – the mayors, chief constables and footballers.

“He photographed so many things, but he always enjoyed going to Bloomfield Road, to photograph the football, that was always exciting.

“He liked being involved with the paper, the excitement of meeting deadlines and meeting people were what he liked, and especially covering the sport.

“I think he liked being part of the community.”

Following his retirement, Raymond was enlisted to help raise funds for the creation of the resort’s Trinity Hospice.

Michael added: “He had hundreds of photos at home of all the places he’d been. He’ll be remembered as hard working, someone who got on well with people.”

Raymond outlived his wife Christina and is survived by Michael and daughter Sheila, grandchildren Philippa, Alexander and Molly, and great-granddaughter Eleanor.

His funeral takes place at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church, Bispham, at 10am today, followed by burial at Carleton Cemetery at 11.15am.