A journalist who joined his hometown newspaper after a career in which he edited magazines and wrote for national titles has died aged 45.

Tributes have been paid to Pete Cashmore, left, who worked for Wolverhampton daily the Express & Star between January 2015 and November 2016, achieving what had been a childhood ambition to work at the paper.

During his time at the E&S, Wolverhampton-born Pete worked as a sub-editor, features writer and columnist, providing regular copy for its Weekend section.

He had previously been a founder and editor of Nuts magazine, whose logo he had tattooed on his back, and also worked for The Guardian, The Observer, NME and Loaded.

Pete’s friend Andrew Emery told The Guardian: “Pete Cashmore was not one to be mealy-mouthed. He would rejoice in the vanquishing of an enemy or an opponent. He would not mince words just because someone happened to have died. Nor will I.

“Pete was a troubled soul, one with whom I’d crammed a lifetime of experiences into 20 years of friendship. We’ve shared tiny offices, hotel beds on New York press trips, and a fist fight.”

“I’ve seen him write beautifully about loneliness, heartache and depression. Let us remember him how he was – mercurial, a mind in turmoil, imperfect, contradictory.”

Former E&S colleagues have also paid tribute, with ex-editor Keith Harrison describing him as a “great writer, a sharp wit and a lovely bloke” in a post on Twitter.

Former sub-editor Becky Weaver added: “Pete Cashmore was always so wonderful to me during my subs stint and beyond at the Express & Star. We’ve lost a truly talented, wonderful writer.”

Andrew Turton, digital content manager at E&S owner the Midland News Association, said: “Really shocked and sorry to hear Pete Cashmore has passed away. He was a really nice guy.

“So good to hear him regale stories down the pub or over the subs desk at the E&S. A really great writer too. Just very sad.”

And the paper’s Wolverhampton Wanderers correspondent Tim Spiers added: ” He was a genius, the most talented writer I ever had the pleasure of sharing (many a) bottle of wine with. And he loved them Wolves. So sad. Be at peace pal.”

Away from journalism, Pete was a former Countdown champion and an internationally renowned battle rapper.