A regional daily journalist known for his humorous weekly column has died aged 84.

Tributes have been paid to Billy Simpson, pictured, whose Monday column in the Belfast Telegraph “shone a shaft of light into the darkness of Northern Ireland” during the Troubles.

Billy worked for the Bel Tel after spending the early years of his career on the Newtownards Spectator.

Billy Graham, formerly of the Spectator, told the Bel Tel his old colleague was “deadly quick-witted”.

He said: “When the occasion demanded, Billy put humbug to the sword or took out a bully.

“He loved words and instinctively knew how to use them, producing thoughtful and beautifully crafted reports and features, often against the tightest of deadlines.

“When in his company, laughter flowed as naturally as the air. He enriched all our lives.”

Billy died on 29 November, and a service of thanksgiving was held at Roselawn Crematorium, near Belfast, last Thursday afternoon.

Mourners including former Bel Tel editor Martin Lindsay heard how Billy kept all the letters of thanks that he received from readers over the 28 years that he wrote his column.