A journalist who ran a regional daily’s district office for almost three decades has died aged 93.

Tributes have been paid to Laurie Rogers, who was head of the Dundee Courier’s Forfar office from 1966 to 1994.

Laurie, pictured, enjoyed a long career with Courier publisher DC Thomson in which he also worked at its Arbroath and Montrose offices.

Former colleague Graham Brown told the Courier his “tutelage became the cornerstone on which many young journalists built their careers”.

He said: “I count myself among those who consider him unrivalled as a mentor and friend. In Forfar, Laurie knew everyone, and everyone knew him.

“He was unflappable and unfailingly courteous to any and all he encountered. From the scaffie to the sheriff, they all valued his friendliness, integrity and professionalism.”

Laurie was born in Glenglassaugh, Banffshire, and served as a sergeant in the Army Educational Corps while undertaking National Service.

He began work on a weekly newspaper in Inverness before joining DC Thomson.

During the 1970s, Laurie also ghost wrote the Forfar Athletic football manager’s comments for the club programmes.

Atheltic club secretary David McGregor told the Courier: “Laurie, an adopted Forfarian, was a well-known figure around the town, a great raconteur with a vast knowledge on many subjects both local, national and otherwise.

“It was simply always a pleasure to be in his company.”

Laurie, who died on 29 April is survived by wife Margaret, sons Mark and Graeme and their families.