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‘Naturally gifted’ journalist who worked on regional dailies dies aged 75

Graham NobleA journalist who worked on several regional dailies before going on to become “one of Fleet Street’s most admired and well-loved sub-editors” had died aged 75.

Tributes have been paid to Graham Noble, left, who worked the Edinburgh Evening News, The Scotsman, the Western Daily Press and the Portsmouth Evening News over the course of his career.

Graham’s career also took in a number of national dailies including the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Daily Mirror.

An obituary by former Mirror colleague Patrick Welland for the National Union of Journalists’ website described Graham as a “deeply kind man” with a “highly developed sense of humour and appreciation of the ridiculous”.

Patrick added: “A naturally gifted writer, he came to be relied upon to handle the biggest stories, cutting, shaping and re-writing with sensitivity, ever alert to pinpoint accuracy and the correct usage of words and grammar, upon the latter of which he cast a watchful eye for the rest of his life.

“To a harassed back bench and chief sub on a major news night with tight deadlines, he was indispensable.”

Graham died from complications following heart surgery.

Patrick concluded: “Graham leaves Frances to whom he was devoted and who, since they first met 25 years ago, brought him the greatest fulfilment and happiness of his life.

“To Frances and to Graham’s two children, Gordon and Jacqueline, sincere sympathy. They, and we, have lost a remarkable man.”