An “old school” motoring journalist who wrote for regional newspapers has died aged 84.

Tributes have been paid to Terry Davies, left, who wrote for North Wales-based daily The Leader and the Chester Standard.

During his career, Terry interviewed celebrated motorsport names including Formula One world drivers’ champions Juan-Manuel Fangio, James Hunt and Jackie Stewart.

Terry, who died on 6 March, also founded Welsh Motoring Writers in 1992 along with friend John Edwards.

His wife Pamela told The Leader: “I used to read his articles, never knowing I would one day marry him.

“He did his national service in the Royal Air Force, and he used to read the Wrexham Leader. I think the correspondent at the time died and he wrote a letter to the editor and that is when he wrote the motoring logbook for the Leader in the ’60s until about 1978.

“He used to go on test days with rally drivers and cover Earls Court Motor Show – and he did write for the County Quest magazine when the Leader owned it.

“He was a proper gentleman and he thought of other people before himself – outgoing and a perfectionist in his writing, everything had to be right. We know a lot of people and since he has passed away I have had some beautiful cards and they have all said he was a proper gentleman.”

Terry, whose funeral took place last Friday, is also survived by daughter Jill, son Simon, granddaughter Seren and grandson Alexander.

Welsh Motoring Writers chairman Huw Thomas said: “Terry was a courteous ‘gentleman writer’ of the old school. He possessed a fine musical voice but was equally adept at turning out a sharp, well-researched road test.

“Terry had not been well for some years but had borne his ill-health with characteristic optimism and resilience It is a comfort to know his death in hospital this week was tranquil, peaceful and pain-free.

“He was highly thought of, his friendship greatly valued and he will be sorely missed.”