Martin Snape well known photographer for the Champion Newspapers has passed away

Terribly sad news to report this morning. Well known Southport and Lancashire photographer Martyn Snape has passed away after a short illness. Martin was the photographer for the Champion Newspapers and an absolute gent. Always happy to chat and always had a smile for you.

A statement from the Champion Newspapers Tom Martin said:

The Champion is sad to report the death of well known photographer, Martyn Snape, who passed away peacefully on Monday in Queenscourt Hospice following a short illness, aged 65.

Martyn was a stalwart of the Champion for more than 20 years and in that time became a hugely popular figure covering our picture desk for Sefton and West Lancs.

He was as popular within the Champion as he was out in the community he served with such dedication and distinction. His talents behind the camera ensured countless people were able to share their stories in our titles.

He became ‘pals’’ with the great and good of both boroughs, striking up real friendships with so many as he went about his duties professionally and with a great eye for a good picture.

Martyn didn’t do ‘snaps’ - he hated that term and would rebuke anybody who dared to call his work ‘that word’. He was a newspaper lens-man down to the core and was greatly respected for the manner in which he went about his duties.

Tributes from all corners of Sefton and West Lancs flowed in following news of Martyn’s untimely passing.

One in particular from former Southport MP John Pugh would be particularly joyful to him, which read: “"Martyn was an ever present at all the big events in Southport - always patient, good humoured with a rueful smile on his face.

“He was the absolute opposite of the intrusive paparazzi type, striking up a friendly relationship with those he photographed - always skilful, helpful and considerate. It’s a tragedy to see his life cut short as his life, photos and memories encompass so much of the history of our town.”

A family statement to the Champion read: “Martyn’s career began as a young man working in a photography shop in Ormskirk and he went from there to study photography at Blackpool College.

“On completing his studies he secured a job at the Ormskirk Advertiser beginning what was to become a life-long devotion to local news and the documenting of life in West Lancashire and Sefton.

“After many years as chief photographer at the Advertiser and seeking a new challenge Martyn became freelance and remained his own boss until the end of his career.

“Martyn was never without a camera or two and over the course of 40 years he quietly and modestly amassed an extensive, often humourous and beautiful archive of photographic work depicting the people and landscape around him.

“He thoroughly enjoyed working on assignments for the Champion and made many good friends within the organisation. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and best wishes at this sad time and who remember Martyn with much love and affection.”

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers at Queenscourt Hospice and ask that anyone who wishes to make a donation in memory of Martyn should make it directly to the hospice.

Funeral details will be announced at a later date.

RIP Martyn you will be sadly missed