Former colleagues have spoken of their “great shock” after a regional daily’s former deputy sports editor died aged 47.

Tributes have been paid to Scott McHugh, who previously served as second in command on the sportsdesk of the Hull Daily Mail.

Scott, pictured, also worked for titles including the Rossendale Free Press and Heywood Advertiser.

Since leaving the industry in 2012 he had been a house editor for Thomson Reuters division Sweet and Maxwell.

Former colleague Richard Tingle told the Mail’s sister website Hull Live: “I worked with Scott on the sports desk of the Hull Daily Mail for many years and it was a privilege.

“He was a great guy, a character and I felt an excellent journalist.

“We had some great times at the Mail although I have to say our sense of humour didn’t always please those above, although it did please the rest. It certainly alleviated any boredom.

“The news of his passing certainty came as a great shock, may he rest in peace and all my condolences to his family. God bless, old friend.”

Scott’s “tragic passing” on Friday was announced by Heywood Cricket Club, for whom he played for many years.

A club statement reads: “A journalist by trade, Scott moved over to Hull with work and would finish his playing days there before returning to the club with a new lease of life in his numerous voluntary roles at Heywood.

“He set up the website and passionately updated it with match reports and good news stories of club life, often supplemented with wonderful photos he took himself as he developed an interest in his camera.”

It adds: “More latterly he had moved over to the Hebden Bridge area with [partner] Diane and was involved in crown green bowls and retained his passion for cricket and real ale.

“Despite the geography he remained fiercely passionate about Heywood CC, the club his grandfather had also served with such distinction and where his much loved parents Steve and Anne remain part of the fabric of club life.

“As well as Diane, Steve and Anne, Scott also leaves behind his sister Lynsey, her husband Greg and their daughter Lucy to whom Scott was a loving uncle.

“The condolences of all of us at Heywood go to each of them.”

Funeral details are yet to be announced.