AN “old school” journalist who was a “true gentleman” has died at the age of 77 after a short illness.

Derrick Grocock, who lived in Bury, had a long career on The Bolton News and was a former Features Editor as well as a well-known motoring writer.

He was born in Warrington, went to Beaumont Technical School, and joined the Warrington Guardian series of newspapers at their Irlam branch.

He moved to the then Bolton Evening News around 1970 where his roles included sub-editor, Features Editor, book reviewer, leader writer and motoring correspondent.

Derrick joined the prestigious Northern Group of Motoring Writers in 1976 and served as chair from 2013 to 2015 and as treasurer from 2021 until his death.

He attended more than 1,000 new car launches held on four continents and was an erudite and knowledgeable motoring writer. His opinion was even quoted by Jeremy Clarkson on TV’s Top Gear.

He married Sheila Loftus in 1972 and their son Colin was born in 1978.

They also had a daughter Faye who sadly died at the age of just nine months. Derrick and Sheila subsequently divorced.

Derrick is survived by Colin, now a teacher with the University of Wales, and his partner Dianne who was his great support and comfort for many years.

Tributes have been paid to Derrick by fellow members of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers.

Steve Teale described him as a “proper old school journalist” and Nick Cooper called him “a gentle man and a gentleman.”

Former colleagues from the Bolton News were also quick to pay tribute to Derrick.

Cheryl Ashton stated he was “a true gentleman” and Joanna Jowett hailed him as “such a nice man, calm, intelligent and kind. The ultimate professional.”

Eric Beardsworth described Derrick as “one of the most laid-back colleagues I’ve ever met in newspapers; softly spoken and unflappable” and Dave Rigby described him simply as “a BEN legend.”

A private ceremony is currently planned and a celebration of Derrick’s life will also be organized in due course.