An award-winning crime reporter whose stories became part of the “folklore” of his patch has died aged 75.

Tributes have been paid to Charlie Beaton, who served Glasgow’s Daily Record from the 1960s to the 2000s.

During his career, he won honours at the Bank of Scotland Press Awards three times – being named Reporter of the Year in 1980 and 1998.

The following year Charlie, pictured, and his colleague Stuart Griffiths won the Journalist Team of the Year prize for their exclusive exposé of a Glasgow gangland figure.

Around the newsroom, he was also known for speaking with a distinctive idiolect, named ‘Damon Runyon’ for the Guys and Dolls author.

Malcolm Speed, news editor at the Record from 1983 to 94 and later managing editor at Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd, said: “When I was the news editor I lived with our lingua franca communication because I knew he could turn the paper on big crime story with his contacts.”

Tom Brown, life vice-president of the Association of Mirror Pensioners and former Record assistant editor and political editor, added: “Another marker of the end of an era. Charlie embodied the best of the front-rank crime reporter. Up with the story, unrivalled contacts, seemingly laid back but hardworking and a true friend to colleagues.”

Charlie joined the Record in 1963 as a 16-year-old copyboy and was at the paper for more then 40 years.

Former chief reporter Anna Smith was co-winner with Charlie and former deputy chief reporter Ian Ferguson of the 1998 Press Awards prize.

She said: “Everyone who knew Charlie, journalists, police, villains will have a story about him. He was a top operator who charmed every company he ever graced.

“I recall being in awe of this big guy who had the ability to get on the inside of the crime stories that are now part of Glasgow folklore.”

Norman Macdonald, a former news desk executive, added: “We have run out of superlatives to describe for Charlie Beaton’s ability.

“He would disappear for hours and when he would finally return and a sherricking seemed in order from the newsdesk.

“That was until he would put his hand into an inside jacket pocket and with a theatrical flourish like a poker playing ace showing a Royal Flush like an ace poker pocket five exclusive collect photographs and once again be hero of the day.”

Charlie died in Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock, on 11 August.

His funeral was held at Greenock Crematorium on Friday.

He is survived by sons Kirk and Rory, as well as other family.