DAVID DALTON, the Kent Messenger Group’s production director who was a well-known figure in the national and local newspaper industry, has died.

Mr Dalton, who was due to retire as an executive director of the company at the end of this year, lost a brave battle with cancer. He was 61.

In his time with the KM Group company, Mr Dalton successfully undertook several major initiatives, including expanding the KMG’s contract printing, and managing substantial investment in the company’s presses.

The group prints a number of titles for other publishers, including the free London newspaper Metro and The Business, a weekend newspaper for business people.

Mr Dalton joined the company in 1998. His successful career began as an apprentice in 1959 and he later went on to work for leading newspaper groups. He was also a non-executive director of Lloyds of London Press and Lloyds of London List.

In a statement, the Kent Messenger Group said: “Shareholders, directors and staff appreciate the contribution David has made to our company and send their condolences to his wife, Wilma.”

Fiona Morris, production director at Guardian Newspapers, said David was a man of substance.

"He inspired tremendous levels of loyalty from his production teams--and this was through some employment periods that had management and unions locked in battle.

"He always dealt with people as he liked to be dealt with--straightforward, straight talking way.

" He had a passion for the newspaper business that was infectious. He had the same passion for cars and got huge pleasure from buying and driving the best.

"Always a generous host, he lived life to the full. He found real happiness with his second wife Wilma. He will be very sadly missed."