AN engineering manager who worked for more than 40 years for the Evening Press has died at the age of 64.

Peter Smallwood, of Heslington, York, retired as building services manager at the age of 58, after 42 years with the company. He died at home yesterday morning.

Originally from the Burton Stone Lane area of the city, he went to Park Grove School as a boy and started at the former Evening Press offices in Coney Street at the age of 16.

His long career was only broken for two years, when he served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Mr Smallwood was instrumental in the move from Coney Street to Walmgate in 1989 when he oversaw the building of the new offices and the installation of the new press.

Outside work, he was a Scout leader for the Lord Mayor's Own Scouts, who were based in Lord Mayor's Walk, and he was also a chief petty officer with York Sea Cadets.

His other passion was making model locomotives, a hobby he learned through his father Len, and which he pursued more fully after his retirement. He was also a member of York Model Engineers.

Peter married his wife, Margaret, in 1965. She said today that the whole family was "heartbroken". He also leaves two sons, Andrew and Christopher, and two grandchildren, Jack and Chloe.

Paul Boughton, engineering manager at the Evening Press, who worked as Peter's deputy, said: "You couldn't wish to meet a nicer person than Peter."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised.

Updated: 14:34 Monday, December 03, 2001