Bill Payne, who spent his entire 47-year career at the Newcastle Evening Chronicle has died, aged 84.
The photographer captured everything from Royal visits to sporting achievements and starting working at the paper aged 14, in 1942. He’d remain there for his whole career, with just a 2 year break to do National Service with the RAF.
Speaking to the Chronicle, his wife, Freda said:
“He was a real gentleman and a very family-orientated man who loved spending time with his family. He loved being surrounded by his family and they were with him during his last eight weeks in hospital.
“He photographed sport and royalty, anything that was needed. They just had to go out and do it. I think becoming a photographer was a promotion for him.”
In 1968 he won the Ilford Prize for photography, for a shot of the crowds surging forward as fencing collapsed at an Everton v Carlisle Cup tie.
He leaves his wife, two children and four grandchildren.
Picture credit: Newcastle Evening Chronicle
