A regional journalist who went on to help launch the Racing Post has died aged 79.

Tributes have been paid to Howard Wright, who spent 11 years with the Sheffield Morning Telegraph.

There, he held roles including racing editor and deputy sports editor before becoming the Daily Telegraph’s deputy racing editor.

Howard, pictured, was approached to join the Racing Post’s launch team in 1985, serving as industry editor for the majority of his time there.

Racing Post editor Tom Kerr said: “Howard Wright was a legend of the Racing Post and a true journalist’s journalist.

“He was one of the paper’s founding staff, possessor of the finest contacts book in the sport and could invariably be spied at racing events around the globe, no doubt having just secured his next scoop.

“Although he ‘retired’ in 2012, he was still providing Post readers with the benefits of his immense experience and knowledge as recently as April.

“Howard enjoyed the widespread respect and fondness of both his press colleagues and those he reported upon. That was born of his impeccably informed work, his deep integrity and his laconic charm.

“On behalf of all at the Racing Post past and present, I extend our condolences and sympathy to Anne, his wife, and Andrea and Karen, his daughters.”