A FAMILY has paid tribute to a committed coastal newspaper editor who had been in the industry for more than 50 years.

Andrew Martin, who was living in Conwy Valley at the time of his death, started his newspaper career in 1968.

His first job had been in printing. He did this for six months before securing a job as junior reporter on The Banbury Advertiser.

After a couple of years, he got a reporting job on the Banbury Guardian as a sports reporter.

He worked for Radio Oxford reporting on the local football team Banbury United.

He then moved to Malvern, Worcestershire, where he was made editor of the Malvern Gazette before becoming editor of the Evesham Journal and then, the Worcester Evening News.

Years later he held a position as a sub editor at the Birmingham Post and Mail.

Andrew took over from Steve Rogers as editor of the coastal titles, including the Rhyl Journal, North Wales Pioneer and North Wales Chronicle, in 2012. He had been with the company, then NWN Media, now Newsquest, for six years.

During that period, he also edited the Denbighshire Free Press.

Andrew died suddenly on February 4 at 12.15am. He was aged 69-years-old.

He leaves behind his wife Sue, 68, grown up children Melissa, Adam and Nicholas and four grandchildren.

Son Adam said: "Dad and Mum had been a couple for over 50 years and had recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The family moved to North Wales 19 years ago.

"Dad was kind, generous to a fault, had a great sense of humour and very fair minded to everybody. He loved the work he did. He was fortunate to love his job, hence the reason he did it for so many years.

"He adored his rugby and cricket and played at a reasonable level for a number of years."

Andrew, who was editor of North Wales Living magazine, ran a successful Llandudno guesthouse with Sue for several years; Ashfields Hotel.

Adam added: "Dad could often be found helping out with the breakfasts at the weekend. He could turn his hand to most things was always ready for for a chat with the guests."

Andrew planned to retire late 2019 / early 2020 but continued to remain an essential part of the team throughout the pandemic, helping and offering advice in the background as well as a listening ear.

Prior to his death, he was looking forward to returning on a more regular basis as a sports contributor.

He spoke with enthusiasm as he made plans to make further links with cricket and rugby clubs in the area.

Adam said: "Dad will be very much missed by all of us. We are not quite sure what we will do without him. He was a fantastic husband and a great dad to all of us."

Colleagues and friends have also paid tribute to Andrew.

Susan Perry, group editor for Newsquest North Wales said: "All of Andy’s former colleagues at Newsquest, previously North Wales Newspapers, are shocked and saddened by the news of his passing.

"Andy was not just a great colleague but a good friend. He was a true newspaper man, and his work ethic and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all. Our sincere condolences to his wife Sue, his family and friends.

"On a personal level I will miss my catch-up chats with him and his wise advice, encouragement and support.”

Suzanne Kendrick, coastal chief reporter, said: “Andy meant so much to so many people. He was the one who carried us during stormy weather, always wanting the best for his team and the papers.

“Andy meant a great deal to me. He gave me my first reporting job and for that I will always be grateful.

“He was highly respected and an expert in his field. He only wanted you to do your best and he instilled that passion, to take pride in your writing and what you were putting out to the community.

“Andy was committed to the papers and even when he was meant to retire, he couldn’t let go. When he said he was leaving I remember asking him not to go... 'but it won't be the same without you.' Now it really won’t.

“He was such an important part of our little work family."

Phil Micheu, freelance photographer, said: "I have been in the business for a long time. With other editors [from other publications] you would only hear from them if they were complaining.

"Andy gave praise where needed. He would always come back to your emails and say 'thank you - good job'.

"I got to know Andy when he took over from Steve Rogers. From the first time we met in the Colwyn Bay Pioneer office, I knew he was a straight-talking guy who I immediately respected. And the rest as they say is history.

"He was brilliant."

Kerry Roberts, former chief photographer for coastal titles, said: "It is so very sad to hear of the sudden loss of Andy this week. He was always dedicated to newspapers, obsessively so at times. I remember one time when he was hospitalised and he was unhappy about the WiFi speed because he was working from hospital bed, but he loved it.

"We shared a love of nature and animals, and he would often check up on bird cams, especially nesting Ospreys between editing pages.

"He was especially kind, helpful and supportive to me when I left the company. We will all miss him.

"My heart goes out to His wife Sue and the family."

Reporter Arron Evans said: "Andy was an editor who really cared about all members of the newsroom and always enjoyed sharing a joke or two with the rest of us also – when he smiled, we all smiled along as he had an infectious laugh. I’ll always remember him telling me that I had a very sharp haircut on my first day in the office.

“He was stern when he needed to be, but always offered great guidance and listened to what others had to say."

Allan George, former reporter, said: "Andrew was a proper old fashioned newspaper man while at the same time being a master of the latest technology. His experience stretched from hot metal printing to digital communication.

“He was an exacting taskmaster with an eye for detail and accuracy. But at the same time, he was a kindly mentor for his staff of all ages, from the youngest and rawest trainee to the oldest and hairiest reporter. He had the ability to encourage all to give their best and develop their talents to the fullest."

Mandy Ellis, former coastal group advertisement manager when the company was NWN Media, said: "As regional manager, Andrew and I worked closely together on four of the coastal newspapers for six years.

"Andy was such a professional, committed and very supportive. It is heartbreaking to know he will not enjoy his much deserved retirement.

"My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."