A journalist known as a “true newspaper man” who served a weekly title for three decades has died aged 59.

Tributes have been paid to Rob Hale, who spent 31 years as a news reporter with the Malvern Gazette and Worcester News.

Rob, pictured, left the staff of the Gazette in 2019 but continued working for them as a freelance afterwards.

Mike Maloney, his line manager for several years, said Rob “loved reporting about Malvern and was always keen to know when other reporters had a story about the town”.

Mike added: “No sooner would they mention the word ‘Malvern’ and Rob would leap up out of his chair to ask what was going on.

“He was a private man but occasionally would talk of his passion for film, books, music and aeroplanes. He was a true newspaper man who enjoyed the printed product.

“Rob was also a very accomplished proofreader and would often spot the odd error before the paper went to press, proving a great help to the team.

“He liked nothing better on a Friday morning than leafing through the latest edition of the Gazette to double check all was well. He will be missed.”

James Connell, another colleague, told the News: “Rob was an excellent writer. I remember him as well-educated with an encyclopaedic knowledge of cinema and films.

“He would travel in every weekday to the newsroom by train – and once gave me a valuable tip-off about armed police at Worcester Foregate Street station.

“He had excellent contacts throughout Malvern which served him well both at the Gazette and the Worcester News.

“Though he was quiet, when he did speak there was no mistaking his voice which was very loud and clear.

“He had a dry sense of humour and could often be observed chuckling at his desk if someone made a mildly outrageous joke.

“Though not argumentative by nature, he was not afraid to speak his mind when he had a strong opinion, regardless of whether it might clash with the views of those further up the chain of command.”

Rob died last month and is survived by his brother Simon, 58.