An editor known for his “true professionalism and eccentricity” has died aged 81 after a long illness.

Tributes have been paid to Philip Thurlow Craig, who for many years edited the Staffordshire Life magazine and was also agricultural editor of the Staffordshire Newsletter.

Philip, pictured, worked on the Stafford-based titles from the mid-1970s when his then-newspaper, the Staffordshire Advertiser, merged with the Newsletter.

He retired at the age of 65.

Former Newsletter editor in chief and managing director Peter Atkins described Philip as “one of life’s excellent networkers who had a news sense second to none and an ability to elicit information from the most reluctant of sources”.

Peter added: “Many is the time I received phone calls from people complaining that Philip had got them to tell him things they didn’t want him to know. They never argued about the facts.

“Philip was a character who was well known around the town, the county and the industry and I am sure many will miss him but have happy memories of having known him.

“He was a true professional who cared about the community, its activities and its people.

“Some will even remember him for his eccentricity, particularly when he went through a stage of wearing cravats and a cape.”

Philip was involved in many community organisations and charities and was a particularly long and loyal supporter of the Talking Newspaper for the Blind which was recorded at the Newsletter offices in Mill Street, Stafford.

He was also active in Neighbourhood Watch and was recognised when he was selected as county volunteer of the year by Staffordshire Police.