AWARD-winning journalist and leading light of the local amateur theatrical scene John Potts has died at his home in York aged 73.

His death, just hours after attending a pantomime at York Theatre Royal, has left friends and former colleagues in York shocked.

Although he retired from the Evening Press in 1988 after 37 years with the paper, the former assistant editor and chief leader writer continued to write a regular column.

Although he retired in 1988 after 37 years with the Evening Press, John continued to write a regular column for the paper, stimulating discussion and often sparking controversy.

He also continued his close association with the Theatre Royal, where he had been chairman of the board of governors for 10 years.

At the time of his death, he was also president of York Light Opera Society, a group which he helped to found and which he chaired for 20 years

Tributes to his skill as a journalist and his hard work for amateur theatricals in York, poured into the Evening Press offices today.Editor Liz Page said: "John was a long-standing and popular columnist, whose views used to provoke a lively response from readers through our letters column.

"He will be greatly missed by the paper and by our readers."

Donald Wilkinson, former deputy editor of the Evening Press, said: "He was a first-rate journalist of the old school."He was a prolific and perceptive writer, often controversial but honest in his opinions."Geoffrey Turner, chairman of York Light Opera Society, said: "He had been with the society since its foundation back in the early Fifties; he was my predecessor for 27 years."All of us are absolutely devastated."He was very much the father-figure of the society; he will be sadly missed."He has taken an active interest, even after he retired from administration work for the Society. "He wrote the programme notes for our next production, Barnum, starting on February 9. As it has turned out, that is his last contribution to the society he has served so well."

Elizabeth Jones, executive director of York Theatre Royal, said: "He was a strong and popular chairman and members of the Theatre Royal staff and acting company will remember him with great affection."Since his retirement from the board, he has retained strong links with the theatre through the Light Opera Society. He was a loyal supporter; we shall miss him."

Former colleague Stacey Brewer, who worked alongside John for many years, said: "I admired his professionalism. "He could produce 'copy' almost to order, to meet hard deadlines. "But no matter how little time he was given, he always wrote with authority and astonishing clarity."

Always proud of his northern roots - he was born at Washington, Co Durham - John began his journalistic career as a copy boy on the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

During the Second World War he joined the army and served in India, Ceylon, Java and Singapore.

He returned to Newcastle to become a sub-editor and moved to York as a sub-editor and chief copy taster in 1951.

He became the paper's first features editor in 1965, and on taking over as assistant editor in 1968 held both posts for 18 years.

John was the paper's chief leader writer for many years. In 1987, he won the Yorkshire columnist of the year award, and was runner-up in 1988.

A member of the York Festival Board during three festivals, he was a member of the Arts Council's drama advisory panel for four years.

On his retirement in 1988, the then editor of the Evening Press, Richard Wooldridge, said in tribute: "He is a real professional and in my view, no higher tribute can be made."

John leaves a widow, Jean, and two sons; Stephen, aged 42, an architect, and David, 38, who is in marketing.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

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