TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Wirral Globe editor who has died.

Martin Hovden was editor under the paper's owner Aldie Robarts when it was set up in 1973.

He passed away, aged 70, at the weekend.

His journalist career covered both printed and radio. He was editor of Wirral Globe and The Champion for many years. On radio his passion for music was presented with his Live Sounds for both Dune FM and Mighty FM.

A tribute on Facebook group Southport News read: "It is with great sadness to report that Martin Hovden recently died at his home in Southport aged 70.

"A hugely-respected journalist, though retired, was still active recently especially with the music scene in Southport and was one of the judges during the Battle of the Bands held in Southport this summer where he worked closely with Dave Aston, Hayden Birth and Martin White.

"Martin was a strong supporter of Qlocal and the Southportnews group and often pass on some of his wisdom to us.

"One example being "when you send a reporter to cover something, tell them to come back with at least five different stories".

Cassie James of Mighty Radio said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Hovden.

"I first met Martin through Mighty Radio, I found him to be an incredibly intelligent man with a wealth of knowledge about music and many other subjects as well.

"Martin over the last few years has been so very supportive regarding my health journey always checking in with me to see how I was doing.

"Martin is extremely respected in the Southport community and will be deeply missed by many."

Former Champion colleague Ollie Cowan, who worked with Martin for a number of years, said: “Martin was an incredibly professional and diligent journalist who was in no way averse to challenging anyone in pursuit of a news story.

"Martin gave me my first break in journalism and I have clear memories of him grilling me during my application to do work experience at the Champion when I was 15.

"I don’t think he was keen on hiring anyone, such was his love for the paper and it’s reputation for quality local journalism.

"Luckily he gave me a shot and I am forever grateful for that opportunity he provided me.

"There wasn’t a corner of the local media scene Martin didn’t seem to get involved in and he soon turned his hand to radio and digital broadcast news in later life.

"I must admit I never expected him to stop and he certainly didn’t! Up to just a few weeks before he passed Martin was still churning out opinion pieces, features and news and still managing to get a significant reaction - good or bad - from readers.

"That’s what he loved and what he always did best!

"Rest in peace Martin."