A BURNLEY journalist died after suffering a heart attack early today.

Barry Ayrton, 51, of Glusburn, Yorkshire, formerly worked for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in Burnley and Nelson.

He was laterly known for his weekly 'Straight Talking' column in the Burnley Express.

After starting work at the newspaper from the Keighley News in June 1995, Barry made many friends in Burnley.

Barry's older brother Dave, a fellow journalist, worked at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for many years before leaving last year.

Chris Daggett, Burnley Express editor, paid tribute to Barry and said: "He was a professional through and through. He was a journalist of the old school -- a reporter who once he got his teeth into a story wouldn't let go.

"His Straight Talking column made him a real personality in the town.

"His face was probably the best recognised one in the newsroom.

"He called a spade a spade and in many ways was an archetypal Yorkshireman -- blunt and straight to the point.

"There was no airs and graces about Barry, he said what he thought and wrote what he said.

"Journalism has lost a great character and a true gentleman."

Barry leaves his wife Karen, daughter Heather and son Andrew.