TRIBUTES have been paid to the former editor and founder of a community newspaper and printing press who became a “legend in his lifetime”.

Syd Howarth, who retired this month from the Newton News and Newton Press, in Newton Aycliffe, died on Monday aged 81.

His sons Paul, Stuart and Christopher Howarth announced “with great sadness” news of his passing.

The three directors of Newton Press, in a short statement, said: “He passed without pain, surrounded by all his family at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

"Syd was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) a year ago and bravely carried on until the illness forced him to retire.”

They added their father, who was often referred to as “Mr Newton Aycliffe”, would be a “a huge loss to the town”.

Hundreds took to Facebook to pay tribute to Mr Howarth, who set up the town’s first printing press when he moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1963.

He worked tirelessly in the community and received an MBE for his services in 2016.

Great Aycliffe Town Cllr John Clare said: “Syd Howarth was an unassuming yet hugely influential man who stated that his life’s goal was to ‘help somebody as I pass along’.

"For more than half a century – through his charitable work, community involvement and the pages of the Newton News – he shaped Newton Aycliffe and its development as a new town, and the community we have become is his legacy.”

Geoff Knapton, secretary of Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club, said: “The legacies of Syd’s life will be everywhere in the town for us all to see.

"He was a business leader in the town able to bring together different groups for the common good.

“He has been a valued member of The Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe for more than 30 years.

"Building on his enthusiastic initiatives and persistent implementation the club has been able over the years to complete many community projects for the benefit of the town, for example the war memorial, the Blue Bridge repainting programme, the nature reserve on the Business Park.”

Former district governor Mr Howarth was made an Honorary Life Member of the club this year and some years ago was honoured with the Paul Harris Fellowship - the highest award of Rotary International given to acknowledge outstanding service to others.

Phil Wilson, Sedgefield MP, said: “Mr Howarth was one of the first people I met when I was a candidate for Sedgefield in 2007 and he struck me straight away as someone who had the best interests of Newton Aycliffe at heart.

“He was a big family man, committed to the local community in all kinds of ways and deserved the accolade of Mr Newton Aycliffe. He will be sadly missed.”

Carol Gaskarth, chief executive of the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), said: “Syd was an amazing man, everything he did was with the best interests of local people in mind, and his selfless approach was admirable.

“He enjoyed being part of the community and dedicated his life to Newton Aycliffe through his business but also through the Rotary Club and by giving hours upon hours of his time to support good causes, including PCP as a Trustee and member.”

And Ron Eyley, friend and fellow Rotarian, said he would never be forgotten, adding: “The service Syd gave to the community for so long and via so many local organisations made him a legend in his lifetime.”