A regional title’s editor described as an “absolute one-off” has died aged 49 after a short illness.

Tributes have been paid to Richard Young, who had edited Hertfordshire Life for a decade.

Richard, pictured, had spent 14 years with Hertfordshire Life’s publisher Archant – now owned by Newsquest – and previously worked for Stevenage-based weekly newspaper The Comet.

He died on 20 October, leaving partner Sarah and 10-month-old son Louis.  Julie Lucas is temporarily editing the magazine following Richard’s death.

Dominic Castle, who was Richard’s group editor in the East of England for several years, said: “Richard was an absolute one-off.

“He was totally committed to creating the best Hertfordshire Life magazine that he could – he crafted every detail.

“He was a great colleague, always happy to share his thoughts, knowledge and experience with the rest of us and was especially helpful to the newer editors. Richard was a very fine journalist and upheld the best standards.”

Richard joined The Comet in February 2008 as a trainee reporter, having entered journalism later in life at the age of 34.

Added Dominic: “It gave him an insight into the job less experienced reporters didn’t have and he made the most of this, challenging and questioning all aspects of the role and paying close attention to detail.

“He made national journalism headlines soon after he started in 2008 when he overturned a gagging order on a court case by applying directly to magistrates.”

Richard was appointed editor of Hertfordshire Life in December 2012. During his 10 years as editor, he mentored many young journalists, launched the title’s Food and Drink Awards, gave amateur photographers a platform and was a regular face at events across Hertfordshire.

His funeral takes place at 9.30am this Friday at Stevenage’s Harwood Park Crematorium.