Mel Cook, the editor of the Nottingham Post, has died after a brave battle with cancer.
Mel, 51, was appointed editor in May last year, after four successful years editing the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
He was diagnosed with cancer in the autumn but continued to work during treatment.
Mel had overseen the Post's move from its old offices at Castle Wharf to a new base at City Gate in the city centre, while also driving through a transformation project to improve the paper and its sister website, thisisnottingham.
He quickly became known across the city, meeting senior figures in Nottingham and speaking at the annual Nottingham Post Business Awards while also joining reporters while they were out in the community so he could meet and talk to readers.
Steve Hollingsworth, Publisher of the Nottingham Post said: "Mel was one of life's good guys - funny, friendly, hard-working, compassionate and a great editor.
"Even through his fight with this most cruel of illnesses Mel remained positive and pragmatic.
"He was a true friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
"The thoughts of everyone at the Post are with Helen, Ellie, Luke and the rest of his family at this tragic time."
In his 30-year career Mel had held senior positions at the Hull Daily Mail, Derby Telegraph and South Wales Echo.
