A journalist who had recently returned to the weekly newspaper where he began his career has died aged 54.

Tributes have been paid to Ian Polmear, who worked in Cornwall for papers including the Falmouth Packet series and the St Ives Times & Echo.

Ian, pictured, went on to work as a DJ for Radio Cornwall and Pirate FM, among others, and was also a lecturer in radio production at Lincoln College.

In recent years, he had returned as a freelance on the Times & Echo, the title where he had first undertaken work experience while still at school.

A Times & Echo Facebook post reads: “Everyone at the St Ives Times & Echo is very sad to hear of the passing away of our colleague Ian Polmear.

“A St Ives boy, Ian first came to the St Ives Times & Echo for his work experience while still at school. He then trained as a journalist with the Packet Group before becoming a full-time journalist at the St Ives Times & Echo for a time in the mid-90s.

“He was also a DJ for Radio Cornwall and Pirate FM amongst others. He returned to the St Ives Times & Echo as a freelance journalist in recent years.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Ian’s mother, brother and all his family and friends.”

Ian’s friend and former colleague Aaron James also paid tribute in a piece for Radio Today.

Aaron wrote: “Journalist. Radio Presenter. Production Genius. Brilliant man.

“That’s how best I can summarise Ian in a few words and although there’s a little part of me that’s hoping he’ll play a sound of blowing a raspberry and announce he’s gone nowhere, ultimately all I can do is semi borrow a title of one of his favourite Andrew Gold songs.

“Ian Polmear. Thank you for being our friend.”