The former financial director of the world’s oldest press club has died aged 71.

Tributes have been paid Colin Meager, pictured, who was treasurer at the Birmingham Press Club for 10 years.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, he was also involved in the management of Integra International, an international association of independent accounting practices.

Colin passed away at his home in Sutton Coldfield, with his family at his bedside, after losing a battle with cancer.

John Lamb, press and PR director at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, was chairman of Birmingham Press Club during Colin’s tenure as financial director.

He said: “As owner and founder of his own Jewellery Quarter-based accountancy practice, Colin had been providing specialist advice and strategic support to businesses for over 25 years.

“But he also found time to devote himself to the financial affairs of the Press Club and helped steer it through some very difficult times in the 1990s when finances were precarious.”

Colin’s son James added: “My father thoroughly enjoyed being part of Birmingham’s business community and took great pride in being a director of the Press Club for ten years.”

Colin’s funeral will take place on 11 February.