My friend David Upton, who has died aged 73, was a consummate journalist who played leading roles on daily newspapers across north-west England.
Equally adept as writer, editor and page designer, it was his skills with people that set him apart. In a trade full of loud opinions and big egos, his was the calming voice, invariably laced with a great one-liner. Kind, open and friendly, as well as tall, dark and handsome, he was a man to look up to – and not only physically.
