A former Isle of Wight County Press journalist and prison officer, Peter Alan Hall, has died at the age of 73.

Pete died on October 3.

He was born on March 28, 1947, in Newport, and was only son of Nathaniel and Vera Hall. His mother was one of nine, so he enjoyed close relationships with his cousins.

Pete went to Priory Boys Secondary School, Newport, and was head boy in his final year.

His career in journalism began at the County Press before he moved to the Southern Evening Echo's Island office, where he worked for 16 years.

His passion for journalism saw him writing major stories and meeting royalty, famous pop bands and infamous figures.

He was among the first Isle of Wight-trained journalists to gain the National Council for the Training of Journalists' proficiency certificate. He was also secretary of the Isle of Wight branch of the National Union of Journalists for many years.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Pete married his childhood sweetheart, Chris, in 1969, who he met aged 15, and was father to Vanessa and Natalie.

Pete decided on a career change in the mid 1980s and joined the prison service in as a senior officer at HMP Albany, where he served for just under 20 years, running the sex offender treatment programme.

In his spare time, Pete was a member of the Lions Club International for 30 years and worked hard raising money for local charities.

He was a member at Ryde Golf Club for many years. Living just off the course in Ladies' Walk, it was always the standing joke among his friends that he’d be late for his tee-off.

He was a very social man and loved entertaining, his snooker and darts.

In 1982 his winning slogan for Spar won his family a holiday to California.

Football was probably his biggest passion and he was a dedicated Saints supporter, holding a season ticket at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Pete spent his entire life residing on the Island but managed to explore much of the world. He clocked up over 40 visits to South Africa alone to visit his eldest daughter.

He enjoyed history and was very proud of his Island heritage.

Pete and Chris ran a bed and breakfast for several years and they celebrated their 50th anniversary last year in Paris.

Because of his public speaking ability and humour, Pete was frequently asked to speak at weddings and funerals.

He was also grandfather to Oliver, Grace, Max and Milly.

His funeral will be held at the IW Crematorium, Whippingham, at a date still to be arranged.