FORMER South Wales Argus financial director Malcolm Beardall has died at the age of 82.

Mr Beardall, who worked for the Argus from 1974 until his retirement in 1991, previously lived in Belmont Hill, Caerleon.

During his time at the Argus printing techniques altered radically and the newspaper moved from being a family-owned business to becoming part of United Newspapers.

After retiring from the Argus he worked part-time for Gwent Training and Enterprise Council.

He was a member and former president of Newport Rotary Club and had been chairman of the Newport Abbeyfield Society.

He moved to Northamptonshire with his wife, Marina, in 1994, to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

A keen rugby fan, he was a life member of Newport Athletic Club and more recently a season ticket- holder at Northampton Saints.

Mr Beardall died suddenly on Tuesday, June 21.

He is survived by his widow, their son, Ian, daughter Lis and grandchildren Sam and Hannah.

Committal will take place at The Counties Crematorium, Milton Malsor, Northampton, at 11.45am on Tuesday, July 5.

Family flowers only and donations to the Matt Hampson Foundation c/o John White Funeral Directors, Towcester.