A FORMER Warrington Guardian reporter has died at his home in Latchford, aged 80.

David Mahon worked for the newspaper in the 1980s, later becoming the political reporter and the first editor of its monthly business news publication.

Rita, David's wife, said: "He was always keen on the written word and loved the news.

"It's something he never lost.

"He was very happy in Warrington and he always said it was a nice team to work with.

"It was a new town at the time and everything was very busy."

David and Rita married in 1968, before moving to Warrington in 1981.

They have seven children and three grandchildren.

Rita added: "He was very much a family man and had been so proud of his children's achievements."

David was born in Crosby in 1939 and his first job as a reporter was in 1962 at the Catholic Pictorial in Birmingham.

In a journalism career that spanned more than 40 years, he also worked for the Watford Post, The Universe, Yorkshire Evening Press and Yorkshire Post.

When he retired in 2005, David was editor of the Catholic Pictorial.

In a break from journalism in the 1970s, he was also the first north west regional organiser for Shelter.

David died at his home on February 18, surrounded by his wife and children.

His funeral will take place at St John Henry Newman Church, Latchford, on Friday, March 6.