TRIBUTES have been paid to a former journalist and magistrate who has died after a long illness.

Dave Willey, who was in his 60s, died last Tuesday at his home in Durham surrounded by his family.

His journalistic career spanned more than 40 years, about 28 of them spent at The Sunderland Echo where he worked at the Durham office.

He served as a magistrate for 23 years, retiring two years ago.

Long-standing friend and former Sunderland Echo colleague George Oliver said: "I learned a lot from him and benefited from his wisdom, friendship and close counsel."

Judge Denis Orde, the former resident judge at Durham Crown Court, said: "He became something of an institution in the city, rather like the cathedral and castle, and was so good at his job, he was like part of the court team.'' Mr Willey was one of the city's longest-serving JPs and had been deputy chairman.

Bench chairman Mac Williams said: "He was an excellent magistrate, very well versed in the law and highly regarded.''

Mr Willey, the son of a Durham railwayman, leaves a widow, Marion, son Garry - also a journalist - and grandson Alexander. His funeral took place this week.