An editor who worked for the same weekly newspaper for more than 40 years has died aged 80.

Tributes have been paid to Colin Roberts, pictured, who dedicated four decades to the Crewe Chronicle.

Described as a “complete workaholic” by his family, he retired in 2000.

Current Chronicle chief reporter Belinda Ryan has been among those to pay tribute.

She told its Cheshire Live sister website: “Colin was my first editor at the Chronicle and he was a newspaper man through and through.

“His life seemed to be ruled by deadlines and he always gave up his Sunday mornings to go into the office and mark up the pages.

“Colin knew Crewe and the people of Crewe well and over the years had gained their trust and respect. He also had the respect of his staff – more than that though, he was our friend.

“It’s several years since Colin retired. His partner Barbara told me last week he had enjoyed his retirement – and after decades in the newspaper business he was finally able to forget about deadlines.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle reporters from many years past when I say we remember Colin with fondness. RIP Colin, you’ll be sadly missed.”

Walsall-born Colin moved to Crewe with his family as a teenager.

He began his career at Sentinel Newspapers, moving to Thomson Regional Newspapers at the Crewe Chronicle a short time later.

Current Chronicle editor Michael Green said: “Colin was editor of the South Cheshire titles when I started in the business as a trainee reporter in the 80s.

“He always exuded authority and was undoubtedly one of the most respected and knowledgable journalists I ever had the pleasure of working with.

“When Colin was in charge, it was a very different industry to the one we work in now with operations spread over a number of district offices but he made managing it all seem so smooth and effortless while still having a reputation for working long hours.

“He was the absolute epitome of the newspaperman and was devoted to his titles, his staff and his readership.”

In a statement, Colin’s family said: “He was a complete workaholic. He loved his job so much he stayed for the next 40 years, retiring on 1 September 2000.

“He met his soulmate, Barbara, who worked at the Chester Chronicle and they spent 32 extremely happy years together.

“He loved his garden, his pets and had many wonderful holidays all over the world. But, above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

“A kind and loyal man, always with a ready smile, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”