TRIBUTES were paid today at the funeral of an "inspirational" journalist and award-winning college lecturer.

Robin Crowther, who died aged 74, was well-known as a former journalist at The Northern Echo and as a media law lecturer at Darlington College. He was a former winner of a lifetime of achievement award at the North-East Journalism Awards for his services to journalism.

The congregation for the service, led by the Rev. Lynda Gough at Holy Trinity Church in Darlington, included many figures from journalism and education.

Tributes were paid by Guy Williams, a former colleague at Darlington College, and The Northern Echo's editor Peter Barron, who trained under Mr Crowther in 1980.

Mr Williams said Mr Crowther was "in the Premier League" when it came to lecturing in media law and had gained a national reputation for excellence.

Mr Barron read out tributes from a string of former students now working in the media.

"Whatever job you do, the best you can hope for is to make a difference, and Robin certainly did that. He made us laugh and taught us so well that his words still echo loudly," said Mr Barron. "Irreverent, wise, passionate, inspirational – Robin Crowther, we salute you."

Mr Crowther, who was also well known in local sporting circles, died just two months after his wife Barbara. He leaves four sons, Andrew, Simon, Philip and James.

Donations were split between Marie Curie and St Teresa's Hospice.