TRIBUTES have been paid to the launch editor of the Burnley Evening Star and former chief sub-editor of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph after his death aged 89.

Chorley-born Dennis Taylor spent his entire working life in newspapers, tackling everything from interviewing The Beatles, as the Telegraph’s music correspondent, to forging a friendship with legendary Clarets chairman Bob Lord.

Mr Taylor, who leaves his wife Ida and lived latterly in Kendal, died at the Lancaster Infirmary. He also edited the Halifax Evening Courier.

He campaigned for the creation of the M65, to link Blackburn and Burnley, and was an avid Clarets fan, a passion which served him well when the Evening Star began in 1965.

His son Philip said: “Just before dad died, as he lay in hospital in Lancaster, I was able to tell him that the Clarets had survived in the Premier League and he was so chuffed.”

Dennis was one of the first journalists outside of Liverpool to interview the Fab Four.

Daughter Carolyn said: “He came back from meeting them and he was so excited, saying they would be big stars, and that John Lennon in particular was a real character and very focused.”

Former Lancashire Telegraph deputy editor Alan Simpson said: “Dennis was a gentleman editor and was passionate about the projects he led, especially the launch of the Evening Star. He appointed me as a reporter there, in 1977, for which I was forever grateful.

“Dennis was a journalist of the old school who believed in accurate and hard-hitting news stories that brought to life the goings-on in East Lancashire.”

Four of his six children - Michael, Christopher, Carolyn, Simon, Philip and Kathryn - forged careers in journalism.

In his retirement, he edited local walking books and produced tapes for Talking Newspapers for the Blind, as well as being a keen golfer.

His funeral arrangements are set to be announced later.