A Royal Navy photographer who went on to join the daily newspaper in the UK’s biggest naval base has died aged 84.

David Morris served in Borneo, the Falkland Islands, and many other places around the world whilst on board Her Majesty’s ships, including a lengthy stint on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

His role was to help promoted news-worthy aspects of service life which his pictures and footage appearing in national newspapers and on television.

But he eventually joined Portsmouth daily The News where he went on to become senior staff photorapher for many years.

Dave pictured in Borneo, fully equipped with two Rolleiflex cameras, a cine camera and a machine gun

Malcolm Wells, chief photographer at The News from 1990-2015 said: “Dave was really the elder statesman of the team and a very safe pair of hands, at a time in the early 90’s when the photographic team in Portsmouth had eight staff photographers.

“It was quite easy to explain Dave’s skills that seemed to come so easy to him as his first career in photography was in the Royal Navy as a photographer and cameraman who had spearheaded the developing role of news gathering during the 1960/70’s.

“His award winning photography included winning the much acclaimed ‘Peregrine Trophy Award’ in 1969 for the ‘best overall’ submitted photograph.”

“Royal Navy photographers work hard to excel at their chosen field before being accepted into the the ultra elite Photographic Branch, a position which is still held in the highest esteem.”

David, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for his Navy service, passed away on Boxing Day at Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital.

His wife Jean, who was one of the UK’s longest surviving kidney transplantees, passed away several years ago and he is survived by his son Steve Morris and his family.

Dave is pictured in Borneo, fully equipped with two Rolleiflex cameras, a cine camera and a machine gun.