Newbon, described by colleagues as a printing legend, joined the industry as an apprentice compositor in 1959 at the age of 16.

He joined Tinsley Robors largest plant, James Upton, in 1978 and became chief executive of the group in 1994, overseeing its flotation and eventual acquisition by MeadWestvaco.

Some 200 customers and colleagues attended a golf day last month to mark Newbons retirement and to present him with a book of his life.