THE founder and former owner of the Chester Standard newspaper has died aged 81.

Eric White, who lived in Littleton, died suddenly on Monday, May 27, in Bangor, North Wales, his family have said.

Born in Chester, he lived in George Street, and went to school at Overleigh Secondary Modern School before joining the Cheshire Observer as a cub reporter at 15.

He became advertising manager at the paper and continued working there until 1986 when the paper was taken over.

He subsequently started the Chester Standard newspaper in September of that year, bringing with him some colleagues from the now defunct Observer.

He later launched papers in Ellesmere Port and Deeside before selling up to North Wales Newspapers in 1999, aged 61.

He was a well-known business figure in the city, a member of the Chamber of Trade and Rotary Clubs, as well as being a long serving member of Upton Golf Club.

Mr White is survived by his beloved wife Kate, whom he married in 1964, his children Sally and Jonathan, and grandchildren Sarah, Harry and Oliver.

Jonathan said: "My dad was a real newspaper man, with printer's blood flowing through his veins.

“He took a big risk when he started The Standard but he put his heart and soul into the business and made a huge success of it.

“But we will remember him so fondly as a father, husband and grandfather. He lived a very fulfilling life and we will miss him hugely."

His funeral will take place at St James’s Church, Christleton, at a date to be announced.