Tributes have been paid to a former Lancashire Telegraph photographer and beloved father from Feniscowles who has died after a cancer battle.

John Napier, a former Lancashire Evening Telegraph picture editor and chief photographer, died on April 7, aged 78.

His son, Andy Napier, says he will be missed, adding he was an excellent father to his three children.

Lancashire Telegraph: John Napier (second left) with children Richard Napier (left), Suzanne Regan (second right) and Andy Napier (right)John Napier (second left) with children Richard Napier (left), Suzanne Regan (second right) and Andy Napier (right) (Image: Andy Napier)

Andy said: “He was very open, friendly, and an excellent father to the three of us. He helped us all.

“He died after being diagnosed with cancer. He fought against it for the last year but he succumbed to it in the end.

Lancashire Telegraph: John NapierJohn Napier (Image: Andy Napier)“He was a very good father. He loved steam trains and all things aeronautical. There are so many fantastic and funny pictures from his career.

“I want to pass on our thanks for all of his help in bringing us up. He will be sadly missed.”

Originally from Newcastle, John moved from The Chronicle in his hometown to the Lancashire Telegraph in the 1980s, where he remained until 2010.

While here he featured in many fantastic articles and produced quality photos for the paper on a daily basis.

In 1986, John got the call asking him if he’d like to be part of a four air balloon flight over Darwen. He managed to get some fantastic aerial shots, while in the sky.

Lancashire Telegraph: Balloons ready for take off on the fields of Dame Evelyn Fox Special School, Blackamoor, 1986. Taken by John NapierBalloons ready for take off on the fields of Dame Evelyn Fox Special School, Blackamoor, 1986. Taken by John Napier (Image: LT)

Andy said John had many amazing life experiences, including his trip to Sudan in 1986. This was to report first-hand on the plight of people amid the drought and famine there.

This was to support a campaign launched by the Lancashire Telegraph at the time, called Lifeline Sudan.

“Photography was a hobby as well as his job. When you go through his house there are a lot of photos of the family and from trips,” Andy said.

Lancashire Telegraph: John NapierJohn Napier (Image: Andy Napier)

John leaves behind his two other children, Suzanne Regan and Richard Napier.

He will be missed by grandchildren James and George Napier, and Isobel and Ben Regan.

According to Andy, John’s late wife, Ann Napier, was the “focus of his life”.

John’s funeral will be held on Friday, April 26, at Pleasington Crematorium.