A regional daily journalist who went on to hold a senior role in British boxing has died aged 87.

Tributes have been paid to John Morris, who worked for the Northampton Chronicle & Echo and also had spells with London’s Evening Standard and United Newspapers.

John, pictured, later became the first ever sports editor at BBC Radio Northampton before leaving journalism.

From 1986 through to 2000, he served as general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control.

At the Chronicle & Echo, John covered Northampton Town, the team he supported throughout his life whose nickname is ‘The Cobblers’.

In the paper’s obituary for him, Chronicle & Echo sports editor Jeremy Casey said: “This is such sad news. John was an absolute gentleman, always enthusiastic about his sport and in particular the Cobblers.

“He enjoyed a long and distinguished career both in journalism and with the British Boxing Board of Control, and was respected by all who knew him.

“Whenever you met John he always offered a warm smile, a warm greeting, and wanted to know how things were with you. He will be missed.”

Towcester-born John, who died on 18th December, supported Town into his retirement and volunteered at their Sixfields Stadium home.

In a statement, the club said: “All of us at Northampton Town Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Morris. John, a lifelong Cobblers fan, was a friend to many at Sixfields.

“A long time journalist, John was the first ever sports editor at BBC Radio Northampton, covering the club for the station in the early to mid 1980s.

“Writing a regular matchday programme column for many years, John also became chairman of the club’s Charitable Foundation while being a regular attendee at Sixfields, supporting the team whenever he could.

“While ill-health may have limited John’s appearances at Sixfields in recent years, he remained a big fan of the club, watching, listening and following the club’s fortunes from afar.”

With the Chronicle & Echo, John had covered Town under the pen name of ‘Flag Kick’. He also reported on Northamptonshire county Cricket Club during his career.

A British Boxing Board of Control spokesperson told the Chronicle & Echo: “We are saddened to hear the passing of former general secretary John Morris.

“Our sincerest sympathy and condolences are sent to his family at this time. John, thank you very much for everything.”