TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Lowestoft Journal editor who has died this week

Barry Hartley, who died earlier this week, was editor of The Journal from 1985 to 2002.

Under his leadership the newspaper won numerous awards included being named the regional weekly Newspaper of the Year in 2001 by the Newspaper Society.

One of his greatest achievements was leading the campaign in the 1980s to raise �450,000 which enabled the RNLI to purchase the 'Spirit of Lowestoft' lifeboat.

Mr Hartley was also a keen Rotarian and in recent years was a director of the Lowestoft Air Show.

Former colleague Terry Reeve said: 'I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Barry Hartley.

'He was a kind and compassionate editor who led by example. Barry cared for his staff and readers alike and led the Lowestoft Journal through one of its most successful periods.'

Mr Hartley leaves a wife, Jackie, and daughter Cheryl. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

For a full report and further tributes see this week's paper on Friday, July 29.