A former telecommunications manager with The Press has died aged 84.

Bob Glass, who worked for the newspaper for 39 years, saw many changes during his time in the wire room – from Morse Code to modern methods.

Born in County Durham, he moved to Tadcaster as a child and attended the town’s grammar school.

He met Evelyn, his wife, at Tadcaster Youth Club, and the couple celebrated their diamond wedding last year.

Bob worked for John Smith’s Brewery before he was called up to serve in the RAF on his 18th birthday, and spent 14 months in West Africa.

On his return he soon took a job at the then Yorkshire Evening Press, where the paper’s owner was very grateful to find someone who was so enthusiastic about technology.

“That was the point, he was always learning, he learned an awful lot in the Press office,” said Evelyn.

He retired from his position as telecommunications and electronics manager in 1987.

Outside of work, Bob’s passion was building model aeroplanes. “He spent most of his time making them,” said Evelyn. “For him, to pick up a piece of wood, work on it and make it fly was a great achievement.”

A funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Tadcaster on Wednesday at 10.45am, followed by a committal at York Crematorium.