A much-loved photographer who served a North London weekly for almost 50 years has died aged 76.

Tributes have been paid to Peter Beal, who joined the Hendon Times aged 19 and spent the next five decades documenting life across North London and Borehamwood.

Peter, pictured, became a well-known figure across the patches he covered, building an image archive that ranged from Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher to school plays and church fêtes.

He retired in 2018 and died at his home in Temple Fortune, near Golders Green, on 28 March.

Peter’s passion for photography began in childhood when his parents let him turn a room in their Stanmore home into a darkroom.

Former colleagues have recalled how he loved his job so much that he often forgot to eat lunch and hated taking annual leave, taking only an afternoon off work after once being hit by a car while on a job.

Beena Nadeem, a former Harrow Times and Times Series journalist, said: “He was the twinkle-eyed, giant-hearted goliath of local news and an incredible companion.”

Suruchi Sharma, who reported from Harrow and Borehamwood, said: “I will always remember Peter for his fantastic laugh, his love of life and people, and his kindness.”

Anna Slater, former head of news at the Times, once tried to nominate Peter for a Queen’s Honour – but when he found out, he insisted she withdraw it.

She added: “He was humble and didn’t want any recognition – he just wanted to do the job he loved.

“Peter was more than just another colleague to us all – he was a mentor and a friend.

“He would go to the end of the earth for you and make you feel safe without making you feel small.”