A former Gazette & Herald photographer who chronicled Wiltshire life for decades has died.

Peter Twaites, 79, who is understood to have been ill for some time, was respected not just for his skill behind the lens but also for his commitment to the trade union movement.

As a senior figure in the local National Union Of Journalists he could always be counted on to stand up for his colleagues and his principles.

He worked for many years at the Gazette & Herald in Devizes before moving to the Swindon Advertiser as chief photographer. He later became picture editor.

He soon won the respect of his Swindon colleagues, including Dave Evans, who would himself become picture editor. Mr Evans said: “He was a softly spoken man, who rarely seemed to get ruffled, except when wearing his union hat.

“A passionate member and officer of the National Union of Journalists – I remember standing side-by-side warming ourselves over a brazier during a long dispute in the ‘70s, and subsequently many a bar room during one of his mandatory Chapel meetings, for which he was renowned.

“Peter was a skilful photographer, a skill which he later chose to share with university students when leaving the Advertiser.

“He was good company with a sharp wit — probably the reason the photographic department spent so much time with him after work at Mamma’s Kitchen, an Italian restaurant which was too handily placed opposite the Advertiser office. We spent a memorable day with Peter during a trip to Epsom Racecourse to cover the Derby.

“A temporary grandstand collapsed in front of us, enabling Peter to grab some shots which were used in many national papers.

“A keen eye for a picture, also a desire to fight for workers’ rights and fair play; the NUJ will be a little more subdued without him.”

Another former colleague Bob Naylor said: “Peter’s style of leadership was very relaxed and his response to an editor who accused him of running the photographic department as a co-operative was to say that he was first among equals, and it worked.”

Mr Twaites began his career at 15, as a darkroom assistant at the Sunday Mercury in Birmingham, later doing National Service with the Royal Engineers.

He then joined the Territorial Army and was attached to the Parachute Regiment.

He is survived by his widow Ruth, and children Chris and Helen. Another son died some years ago.

Before coming to Wiltshire he worked at Wolverhampton Star and the Evening World in Bristol.

He later lectured at Cardiff University on media law.

Mr Twaites' funeral will be held at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington, on Tuesday at 3.15pm. Everyone is welcome.