A FORMER Leader news photographer who was honoured by the Queen for his services to journalism, has died.

Mike Roberts, of Clayton Road, Mold, died on January 6 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, aged 88, just three days before the 65th anniversary of the day he first met his wife, Mary. They were married a little over three years later.

After completing National Service, Mike started work as a photographer on the Wrexham Leader, followed by a spell on newspapers in Stafford and Banbury, before returning to North East Wales to work for the Flintshire Leader and finally the Evening Leader. He retired after working 40 years for the company in 1998.

Mike was hugely respected in his field and won the prestigious JR Freeman Wales Press Award for photographic journalism in 1975. At the end of his career he was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours and his day at Buckingham Palace was a highlight in a lifetime of capturing on camera memorable events in the region from Royal visits, including those of the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret. He covered a whole host of news stories from jackpot lottery wins to serious crime, foot and mouth outbreaks, fires, floods, local campaigns and industrial coverage including the miners' strike and the massive impact of the end of steel making at Shotton.

Superb professional - former Leader photographer Mike Roberts.

"Superb professional" - former Leader photographer Mike Roberts.

His trademark "nice and happy now" was frequently heard at pensioners' Christmas parties, community celebrations, and school performances in villages and towns across the area. He was a familiar face that people trusted in times of tragedy and strife as well as times of celebration.

Jo Shone, former news editor and later head of features at the Leader, said Mike was there from day one when she was first taken on as a rookie reporter in 1970.

"He was a delight to work with," she said. " So incredibly helpful to all young journalists throughout his long career. His dedication was second to none and no one was surprised when his work won awards. His feature photography was brilliantly creative.

"He was greatly missed when he retired and I have been proud to count him as a friend right to the end."

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Mike Dean, fellow Leader Group photographer, who became picture editor after Mike retired, had the greatest respect for Mike's work.

He said "I remember he was the man I looked up to when I first started working for the Leader. I aspired to be as good as him. His feature work was simply outstanding."

Lord Barry Jones, former Labour MP for Alyn and Deeside, was one of the first to pay tribute after hearing news of Mike's passing.

He said: "Mike was a wonderful personality in North Wales journalism. A superb professional with a camera who was hugely admired in his field of expertise.

"He was always considerate and thoughtful in his dealings with the public and with me as a parliamentarian. His integrity was acknowledged by all who knew him.

"My wife Janet and I send our sincere condolences at this sad time to Mike's wife, Mary, his son Andrew and all their family."

Since his death was announced on social media, many other former colleagues have been quick to pay tribute to 'a real gentleman and a true professional'.

In observance of Mike's wishes there will be no funeral service.

Mike's wife Mary and family have been overwhelmed by all the kinds wishes and sincere condolences.

His son Andy said: "We're very grateful to the staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital who showed so much care to my father, and for all the kind and touching tributes we've received since.

"The response has been truly overwhelming and something my dad would never have foreseen. It's a wonderful testament to the man he was."

There are many that knew Mike, including several that worked with him over the years, who have been paying their respects via Facebook.

John Shone said: "Mike was not only a first-class photographer, he was a great story-finder and an absolute joy to work with.

"I was privileged to cover stories with him for five years and we shared many happy times and some great exclusives; a lovely guy who will be missed by many. RIP Mike and deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, son Andrew and family."

Elwyn Edwards wrote: "An absolute gentleman and true professional."

Robin Vyrnwy-Pierce added: "I remember Mike from my days on the Leader. I was still a cub reporter but he treated me with professional courtesy as well as being a friend. RIP Mike.

Elwyn Roberts said: "So sad. A real gent always and one of the best Press photographers of his day."

Claire Marie Quant said: "Sad to read this. My sympathies to his family."

Pat Barnes wrote: "Worked with Mike when I was on the Leader in the early 90s. He was a lovely guy, a true gent, and we covered a lot of stories together.

"If you went out on a job with him you always got the story and the pics to keep the newsdesk happy."

Andrew Price said: "Sad news. I worked with Mike in the early days before he retired. He was a very nice man and a great snapper."