A long-serving regional press journalist who also edited specialist scientific publications has died aged 69.

Dermot Martin, described by one former colleague as “one of the South’s best-loved journalists” spent many years working for the Southern Daily Echo, both as a chief reporter and later as a sub-editor.

He also had stints on the nationals, working on the Financial Times, the Daily Telegraph business section and The Observer, and edited the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Analysis Europa magazine, attending science conferences across the world.

Dermot, who lived in Poole, Dorset, leaves a wife, Sharon, and four grown-up children, Lydia, Dermot, Amelia and Liberty.

Starting out on his hometown paper the Burnley Express where he met Sharon, he became industrial correspondent of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph before moving to the Echo in Southampton, where he had previously studied chemistry at university.

Becoming chief reporter at the paper’s Hythe office, he remained at the Echo for many years and is remembered for encouraging young reporters and for his innate ability to spot a good story.

In 1989, Dermot left the Echo to go freelance, working on national titles as well as Practical Boat Owner magazine, based in Poole.

He returned to the Daily Echo as a sub-editor in 1997 on the day his oldest daughter Lydia was born, while continuing to write for specialist scientific journals.

Decribed as a man of diverse talents, he also worked as a consultant in further education, competed in the first London Marathon, worked for  local authorities including BCP and Dorset County Council and, for a while, owned his own taxi.

His wife Sharon said: “He was everybody’s friend and the centre of all of our lives.”

Ed Perkins, former assistant editor and chief sub at the Southern Daily Echo, said: “Dermot was one of the most resourceful journalists I have worked with, who could turn his hand to any story and was also a kind, funny man who was full of laughter.

“He could light up a room by walking into it and nobody went home after being in his company without feeling cheerful. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”

Dermot’s funeral will take place on Friday 27 October at 10.30am at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Wimborne Road, Poole. BH15 2EG.

Donationsin his memory can be made via tapperfuneralservice.co.uk to Macmillan Cancer Relief and Prostate Cancer UK.