TODAY I would like to pay tribute to my former colleague, John Esplin, who passed away on July 17 at the age of 86.

John was our chief photographer from 1977 to 1994, and I accompanied him to cover innumerable stories around Inverclyde.

He knew almost everyone, earning himself the well justified title of ‘Mr Telegraph’.

Most people love to get their picture taken, but John had a special knack of helping them to relax and look good in front of the camera.

“This is a silent picture — you can talk,” was one of his favourite lines, and it still made me smile even when I’d heard it for the umpteenth time.

He also had a habit of twisting the camera flashgun upwards before taking a photo, explaining: “I’ll bounce it off the ceiling.” That, too, always got a laugh.

John and his wife, Nan, were the happiest couple imaginable. Married since 1953, they were inseparable.

When you met them they would always talk enthusiastically about the Tele and their latest plans for holidays or other ventures.

John’s National Service in the Royal Air Force led to a lifelong association with the RAF Club in Greenock, where his many activities included organising their annual summer trip to Benidorm.

“We’ll be frying eggs on the pavement!” he would declare delightedly before jetting off to the sun.

John was one of Inverclyde’s great characters. He wanted to put everyone in the picture!