FRANK PETERS, a highly-respected former chief sub-editor of The Northern Echo, has died at the age of 69.

Born in 1934, he attended St Bede's School, Sunderland, before joining The Echo in Darlington.

During a distinguished career, he worked for the Scottish Daily Mail, The Times, Today and Daily Telegraph, and The Echo again, under famous editor Harold Evans.

He leaves a widow, Maureen, a son and a stepson.