TRIBUTES have been paid to an award-winning former Leader sports journalist.

James Lawton - described by the Football Writers' Association as "one of the finest sportswriters of this or any other generation" - has died aged 75.

Mr Lawton (Jim), who was born in Flintshire and lived in Kinnerton, began his career at the Flintshire Leader before moving to the Daily Telegraph in 1963.

The Leader:

James Lawton at home in Kinnerton pictured with many of the numerous awards won for his sports writing

During his career he worked at a number of other newspapers including the Sun, Express and the Independent.

He won numerous awards in his career, including Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010.

His friend and Daily Mail sports writer, Jeff Powell announced the news on Twitter, saying: "Very sad to have to report that the great James Lawton has died suddenly today at his retirement haven in Italy. Great sports writer, great friend, great companion on the road. Funeral arrangements to come. RIP Jim.”

The Leader:

James Lawton helped pen Sir Bobby Charlton’s book ‘My Manchester United Year: The Autobiography’ published in 2008

Social media tributes have since poured in from friends and colleagues across the industry.

Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP James Lawton. A wonderfully elegant, evocative sportswriter and a true Fleet Street great."

Mark Saggers, sports broadcaster at talkSPORT, posted: "Dear Jim Lawton. I loved the way you arrived at a scene, slightly breathless, a little sweaty, but with the sharpest instinct to know the way forward.

"You had so much time for me when I was finding my way. Great tales."

Mike Parry, journalist and radio presenter, said: "So very sorry to hear of the death of Jim Lawton.

"He was a fellow Chester boy who conquered the world of sports reporting, using words like a needle and thread.

"Majestic company in any arena - a golf-course, World Cup, Madison Square Garden, an English country pub.. RIP.

Sports Journalists (@SportSJA) tweeted: "The incomparable Jim Lawton is no longer with us.

"We @SportSJA are shocked to hear of his sudden passing and send our sincere condolences to his family."

Sam Wallace, chief football writer for The Daily and Sunday Telegraph newspapers, tweeted: "Farewell to Jim Lawton, a great colleague and a kind man.

"Never better than when dissecting an England tournament disaster -especially in 2006, the likely outcome of which he had long warned."

Matt Lawton, chief sports reporter of the Daily Mail and Mail Online, added: "Lot of the guys sharing their Jim Lawton stories here in Paris.

"My favourite: getting a call from Sean Connery on day of 2006 WC final in Berlin to tell him how much he’d enjoyed his coverage.

"A pat on the back from James Bond takes some beating."