An editor described as a “model colleague and an accomplished journalist” has died aged 68.

Tributes have been paid to Stephen Firth, who ran the Brighouse Echo until his role was made redundant in 2012.

During his career, he was also known for his work on the Halifax Courier, where he led a 10-strong team of reporters covering the trial of Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe.

Former Courier editor Edward Riley told his old newspaper he worked with Stephen, pictured, in both Halifax and Brighouse “over many years”.

Edward said: “He was a model colleague and a very enthusiastic and accomplished journalist. Stephen’s guiding principles were accuracy, integrity and fairness and he rigorously applied these throughout his career.

“Apart from his journalistic achievements he will be remembered especially as a people person – his friendly and helpful nature made him popular and respected within the confines of the Courier and the among the wider public in Calderdale.”

Halifax-born Stephen initially began his working life at the Halifax Building Society, where he met his wife Diane.

Despite being told he would “never make it as a journalist”, he was given his break as a trainee reporter on the Courier.

Stephen worked his way up to deputy editor before moving to the editor’s chair in Brighouse, where he also served as group editor for a number of other local titles.

Former Courier local government reporter Michael Peel, who worked with Stephen for 40 years, told the Courier: “He was a wonderful friend and a very supportive colleague.

“He made newcomers feel at home, helped anyone who needed it and made an enormous contribution to the work of local news gathers.

“Steve will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Former Echo and Courier reporter Virginia Mason added: “Stephen was my editor when I worked as a reporter at the Brighouse Echo. It was a privilege to work alongside him.

“He was a dedicated journalist and newsman; passionate about the Echo and the people it served.

“He had a real flair for finding a good story and was committed to ensuring that our reporting was fair, accurate and balanced.

“He was a great mentor to young journalists starting out on their careers. But most of all he was a real family man. He’ll be missed by so many people who had the honour of knowing him.”

Stephen is survived by Diane, daughters Julia and Helen, and grandchildren Isabel, Millie and Annabel.

Details of his funeral are yet to be announced.