Tributes continue to pour in for Eric Langton, the former Chester Chronicle editor-in-chief who lost his brave battle with cancer on Thursday (August 4).

Mr Langton's award-winning 40-year career in journalism saw him work for titles across Cheshire, North Wales and Merseyside.

ITV Granada news presenter Lucy Meacock , a former Chronicle colleague of Mr Langton's in Chester , remembers him as 'one of the brightest, funniest and kindest people you could ever meet'.

She said: "People have an idea of journalists being pushy and uncaring. Eric was the complete opposite.

"I remember him from my very earliest days on the Chester Chronicle when he had a reputation as an extremely talented journalist with a real flair for understanding the importance of local news.

"He was a dedicated team player and thrived on the pressure and excitement of looming deadlines. He was also a great writer. And as the years progressed he won our respect as a very fair boss who you could turn to for help."

It was Mr Langton who got Lucy involved in the Cheshire Business Awards .

"I have a really busy schedule but I knew if it was important to Eric it was going to be important to me," said Lucy. "I am so pleased he did get me involved, and it is a great legacy to him that those awards have helped so many people.

"But above all he was a loving family man who cared very, very deeply about those closest to him. His family meant the world to him.

"I will always remember him very fondly as a warm, kind-hearted man who had a smile that always went right through to his eyes. He was always totally genuine and it was always great fun to be in his company. We will all miss him enormously."

Editor in Chief Eric Langton and Chester Chronicle staff celebrating in 2006
Eric and Chronicle staff celebrate an awards win in 2006