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Art editor who played ‘key role’ in daily’s colour tabloid switch dies aged 75

David ChesworthAn art editor who played a “key role” in a regional daily’s switch to becoming a colour tabloid has died aged 75.

Tributes have been paid to David Chesworth, pictured, formerly of the Manchester Evening News.

David joined the MEN as a graphic designer straight from art school in Bolton in 1965 and worked there until his retirement in the mid-1990s.

He had been battling cancer for the past year.

In an obituary, MEN chief reporter Neal Keeling wrote: “Hired by legendary MEN editor Tom Henry, Dave served under four editors and was a key player in two of the newspaper’s most important developments – the switch to tabloid format and the introduction of colour.

“A cartoonist and graphic designer, Dave was responsible for the appearance of maps, charts and explanatory diagrams accompanying editorial content.

“He also played a key role in the presentation of features including fashion pages and the hugely popular gardening column by celebrated horticulturalist Roy Bee.”

David was elected a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists in 1998.

He was married to wife Barbara for 50 years and the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2019, shortly before he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent a major operation.

He is also survived by two children, Cara and Dominic, and two grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Thursday at St Joseph’s Church, Sale.