It is with deep regret that the death of Robin Burgess, the former chief executive of CN Group, is announced.

He died, aged 68, at his home yesterday (Friday), in Scaleby, Cumbria, from cancer.

Robin leaves a wife Alex and four children, Rose, Kate, Rachel and James.

Robin was the fourth generation of his family to have run the Carlisle-based media group.

It was sold to Newsquest last year.

A family spokesman said: "Robin was a very good, decent and kind man, aware of his responsibilities to his community and all around him. He loved his family, his county and his newspapers. We shall miss him."

Jonathan Lee, managing director of Newsquest Cumbria, said: "This is such sad news. Robin was a true gentleman, highly respected across the industry and across the community.

"He was passionate about making sure the media served its community, always taking a keen interest in everyone he met. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. All our thoughts are with Alex and the family."

As news of Robin's death spread, dozens of people posted tributes on our Facebook page. The comments included:


* Craig Johnston, a Carlisle based official with the RMT rail workers union: "Extremely sad news. I always found Robin to be a friendly, decent man. We would disagree on many things (not least politics!) but he cared deeply for Cumbria and would never hesitate to promote our county."

* Leah Tickner: "Robin was a lovely and very humble man, who on his last day in charge of CN, personally went round and spoke to each member of staff individually. You could tell he cared for his employees."

* Ann Horton: "I was at CN for 21 years and always found Robin to be a fair man who I believe cared about newspapers and his staff. On my last day he rang me to wish me well. Always felt he was a decent bloke."

* Jay Cee: "I worked at CN for 10 years and always found Robin to be such an approachable and friendly man, taking time to speak to all staff and to ask about us as individuals. So very sad."

A private funeral will be held in Scaleby. A memorial service will be held later in Carlisle.