A campaigning editor who played a key role in launching North Wales' first evening newspaper nearly 50 years ago, has died at the age of 87.

Former colleagues have hailed Peter Leaney as "one of the best in the business" and an "inspirational" mentor to dozens of young journalists.

Peter, from Cefn-y-Bedd, near Wrexham passed away on May 1 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. He had suffered ill health for a number of years.

He was the Leader's first news editor when the paper was launched in 1973 by the then Oswestry-based Woodalls' group, which later became North Wales Newspapers (NWN), based at Mold, before being taken over by Newsquest in 2017.

He served as editor for many years, before becoming group editorial director with a seat on the company's board until he retired in the early 1990s.

Peter was born on the Wirral, the son of Customs and Excise officer at Liverpool Docks. Aged seven, his family moved to the village of Caergwrle, near Wrexham, where he soon became friends with Gwynifred, the girl who became his wife for 63 years.

The couple went on to have two children, Alison and Andrew, and have four grandchildren.

After being educated at Ellesmere College in Shropshire, he left at 18 to become a trainee journalist, working first in Llandrindod Wells and Newtown before joining the Wrexham Leader.

His dedication and talent in news-gathering and production led to his first editorship in 1967, when he was put in charge of its weekly sister paper, the Flintshire Leader at Mold. He ran it for six years until the launch of the Evening Leader at Wrexham.

Former NWN associate editor, Steve Rogers, said: "Like countless other journalists, I will look back and be grateful for coming under the wing of Peter Leaney.

"He took me on as a sub editor on the fledgling Evening Leader and I was blessed to have his encouragement and guidance.

"He was a highly intelligent, astute figure who was a genius at nurturing what he believed was young talent.

"He was always giving, and his 'young lieutenants' never wanted to let him down.

"Peter's contribution to journalism was immense and he richly deserved to reach the top as the company's editorial director but even then he was still connected to the grass roots doing the best he could for his staff."

Former Welsh Assembly Member, Sandy Mewies, who was deputy news editor at the Leader under Peter's editorship, said: "He was an inspirational boss who not only motivated but supported his staff.

"He certainly set high reporting standards for himself and his staff but I will also never forget his kindness and wonderful sense of humour."

Her husband, Paul Mewies, who also worked for the paper during its early days, added: "Peter was a driving force in the Leader's success. He kept all his staff on their toes but he also ensured that it was a fun time to be working in the newspaper industry."

Another former news editor of the Evening Leader, Joanne Shone, said: "He was was my first editor and the inspiration behind my 40 plus years in journalism.

"He taught me the importance of integrity, accuracy and persistence, and the value of always seeking the truth."

Former Alyn and Deeside MP Lord Barry Jones said: "Peter was a highly-respected journalist of his generation. He was a magnificent supporter of his community and of the area's industries and businesses.

"He always gave support through his newspaper for industries at risk, most notably in the fight for Shotton steelworks."

Former BBC and HTV veteran, John Shone, who joined the Flintshire Leader as a senior reporter in 1968 after working in London, recalled: "Peter was one of the best editors in the whole of Wales. He led a long campaign to save steelmaking at Shotton.

"It was so effective that the Downing Street press office complained that the government's secretarial machine was being overwhelmed with letters from the paper's readers.

"He was absolutely brilliant, always keen to promote good ideas, such as turning the paper's offices into a Christmas grotto.

"Excited kids with parents queued down the street to meet Santa, played by Peter and one of the reporters, while the rest of us acted as 'little helpers'.

"It raised a tidy sum for charity over several years and forged a strong bond with readers.

"So many of us owe Peter a huge debt of gratitude for his guidance, support and encouragement in developing our careers. He could be a tough taskmaster, but he had a heart of gold."

• A family service was held at Pentrebychan Crematorium on May 13. Donations can be given online to Blind Veterans or through Funeral Directors H.J. Williams and Sons on 01978 760200.