A FORMER Lancashire Evening Telegraph reporter has died at the age of 69.

Peter Dewhurst began his working life with the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and the Evening Star.

But he then spent the last 25 years of his career as the news editor of the Leader Times Series, covering Nelson, Colne and West Craven.

Peter Magill, former chief reporter of the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale edition of the Lancashire Telegraph, said: "Peter was a great help when I started out in East Lancashire.

"He was very well-known around Pendle and had the interests of people in Nelson and Colne at heart in everything he reported on."

His former colleagues at the Leader Times Series have also paid tribute to their ex-colleague: "One of the last remaining 'old school' reporters, Peter knew everyone in Pendle and everyone knew Peter.

"He reported on every aspect of local life and also thoroughly immersed himself in the community through a wide variety of roles including the local St John Ambulance and, latterly, as chairman of Building Bridges Pendle.

"Despite ill health, Peter stayed as active as possible in recent years, still enjoying a daily walk when possible and continuing to sample his love of the outdoors."

Funeral details for Peter are currently unavailable but will be announced in due course.