WARM tributes have been paid to a long-serving newspaper man, who has died at the age of 67.

Grandfather Norman Alderson, of Leyburn Road, Darlington, died suddenly on Thursday.

He worked for North of England Newspapers for more than four decades, mainly in its newspaper sales department.

He joined in August 1950 and went on to work as distribution manager, publisher and newspaper sales manager, as well as holding other positions. He became newspaper sales manager in 1982 and eventually retired from the company in 1991.

Newsquest North-East managing director, David Kelly, said yesterday: "Norman worked for our company for more than 40 years and still has many friends here.

"He was also well known to newsagents throughout the North-East, so many of whom will remember him as a no-nonsense colleague doing all he could to ensure readers received their newspapers every day and every week."

Mr Alderson leaves a widow, Audrey, son Stuart and a grandson. His funeral takes place next Friday, with a service at Darlington Crematorium at 1.45pm.