A FORMER editor of the Packet Newspaper series has died after a battle with cancer.

Mark Humphreys lived in Flushing when he headed the papers for seven years between 1977 and 1984.

After leaving the Packet he went on to spend nearly two decades with the Hull Daily Mail in a variety of roles, including assistant editor and also as a restaurant critic.

He later went on to work for the Press Association in Howden and taught at Grimsby Institute.

Mike Truscott, who worked with him at the Packet, said: "He was a very good leader of people and a good editor. He was one of the boys, very down-to-earth."

Together with his partner Julie, Mark visited Falmouth two years ago to meet up with his former colleagues, including Mike, John Cashmore and Mike Buckley among the party of around 15.

Speaking to the Packet yesterday, Julie said it had been "an honour" to meet them.

She added: "Mark and I loved our holidays together and in June we went to Malaga for his birthday. The doctor had stopped his treatment at the time because it was making him poorly, so he felt much better.

"He had recalled: 'I was able to eat, drink, walk and sleep. I had a fantastic time and any talk of cancer was put on the backburner for a week'."

Mark was a Manchester United fan, a keen golfer who also loved music.

Former Hull Daily Mail deputy editor Stan Szecowka, said: “I’m heartbroken by the news that our good friend Mark has lost his battle against cancer.

“Mark was a great character, a superb journalist and a faithful friend who was by my side during some of our most enjoyable and challenging times. We all loved Mark and none more so than Hull and East Yorkshire’s dining establishments."

Prior to becoming Packet editor, Mark had worked as a sub-editor in his native Manchester for the Daily Mirror.

In retirement, he continued to live in Yorkshire and in 2010 became captain at Beverley Golf Club, where he helped to raise funds for Dove House Hospice, in Hull, where his late wife worked and was cared for when she passed away.

Mark's funeral was held on Tuesday, September 11, at Haltemprice Crematorium, near Hull, at which 30 past captains of Beverley Golf Club wore their ties and blazers in his honour.