A journalist who successfully campaigned to get pardons for First World War soldiers executed for desertion has died aged 62.

Tributes have been paid to George Macintyre, left, who worked for Newcastle-based ncjmedia, which owns sister dailies The Chronicle and The Journal.

George worked on the Shot at Dawn campaign, which saw 306 men and boys executed during the 1914-1918 conflict given a posthumous pardon in 2006.

He also served in a number of senior positions within the National Union of Journalists, including president.

John Barsby, the NUJ’s president when George was vice-president, said: “George’s commitment to that campaign brought pardons for those 306 in 2006 – a victory that George had strived for years to achieve. An incredible legacy.

“When I spoke to George last month, things were looking hopeful and we were planning to meet for a catch up and a pint. Sadly it’s not to be.”

George, who began his career in Scotland, passed away last month after a long illness.

Christine Harle, who worked with George on the night shift at The Journal, said: “He was a campaigning journalist but he had a wide range of interests.

“He worked very hard but he was full of fun as well and was such a character that people would surround his desk to laugh at his stories.”

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters Lynn and Clare, and a granddaughter, Jade.

Said Nancy: “When George had something on his mind, he fought tooth and nail. He would not give up.”