A woman has saluted her kind-hearted stepfather who 'loved his job' as a regional press photographer.

Alfred James Lovett died on February 18, 2018, at the age of 93, and is survived by his stepdaughter Elizabeth Biddle.

Born in Norwich in 1924, Mr Lovett grew up in the Norfolk city before later spending two years in the RAF. His primary interest, however, was photography and in 1956 he was employed by Eastern Counties News and moved to Lowestoft to become a photographer for the Journal.

He took pictures from Lowestoft down to Southwold, developing a glowing reputation among local people.

'Lots of people knew him, especially in Lowestoft,' said Mrs Biddle. 'He was always walking up and down the high street and would say hello to everyone.

'Most of his photos were in the Journal and the EDP; he really did love his job.'

While photography dominated much of his life, Mr Lovett's other passion revolved around anything to do with water. He always loved sailing, before developing an interest in lifeboats and the shipbuilding industry in Lowestoft.

'Alfred had relations living by the Broads in Catfield - that was where his love of the water started,' added Mrs Biddle.

'He adored sailing and would take his boat up to Scotland or down to Essex with his colleagues, Ron Dallas and Peter Cherry, and they'd find a place to stay.

'He loved going out on the lifeboat, to the shipyards for the launches and to Oulton Broad for regattas.'

Mr Lovett's wife Sheila died in 1989 while they lived in Sheringham, five years after his retirement from work. He later met Audrey Williams in Beccles and the pair were married in 1990, remaining together for 21 years before her death.

In 2011, Mr Lovett rekindled his love for the water after moving into Broadlands Care Home in Oulton. Staff were fascinated when they learned of his photography career and discovered his work in the 'Images of Lowestoft' book.

'When they found out he'd contributed his photos to this book, they got him to sign a copy and pose for a photo,' said Mrs Biddle.

'I used to love sitting with him in the care home, listening to his stories; he always said he'd had a good life. But I'd show him a digital camera and he'd say 'I'd never be able to use that!''