TELEVISION news reporter and former Daily Echo journalist Martin Dowse has died aged 50.

Martin covered major news stories across Dorset for more than 20 years and continued to play a vital role in ITV Meridian’s news team alongside his four-year battle with cancer.

He was a popular figure across the county and was heralded for his high standards of professionalism in all of his reports.

Martin was raised in Lincolnshire, where his mother still lives.

He moved away from home when he went to study at university.

Martin joined the Daily Echo initially as a trainee reporter in its Wimborne and Christchurch offices in 1991.

He spent three years at the newspaper and was a popular figure with his colleagues.

Martin made the switch to broadcast in November 1994, with a move to Meridian Broadcasting Ltd, which had launched the previous year. The station later became ITV Meridian.

An initial spell at the commercial station saw him work as a researcher and producer for around 19 months.

However, Martin found his feet as a reporter for the news team in May 1996.

This began a period of 22 years with the Meridian team, which mainly saw him cover news matters in Dorset.

Major incidents across the county were rarely off his radar and this saw him cover stories that grew into the national spotlight.

He also travelled abroad on assignments to ensure television audiences were given the full picture.

A thorough and meticulous court reporter saw him provide powerful and concise reports on proceedings.

Martin won national recognition for his coverage during the investigation into the murder of Heather Barnett in Bournemouth.

More recently he provided reports on last year’s major story on the disappearance and death of Gaia Pope in Purbeck.

Martin’s versatility as a journalist was something never to be overlooked. He came across on camera as comfortable reporting live from a scene of a crime as he did flying down the zip wire at Bournemouth Pier or bouncing down fields zorbing.

While he lived in Bournemouth, Martin often travelled to the rural areas of the county. He became a familiar face covering the Dorset Steam Fair and sharing expert knowledge on tank matters at Bovington.

He was largely based in the field, but also presented ITV News Meridian’s broadcasts from the studio.

Veteran ITV News Meridian presenter Fred Dinenage said Martin was a pleasure to work with.

He said: “A great man who showed feeling and passion in job. I was honoured to work with him.”

Martin Dowse died on Monday, September 3, aged 50 after a battle with cancer. He is survived through his wife Alison and sons Henry, 18, and Oliver, 15. He also leaves the family’s beloved Labrador Rupert.

His life was celebrated at his funeral service at Bournemouth Crematorium on Thursday, September 20.

Donations for Cancer Research UK may be sent to Deric-Scott Portman Lodge Funeral Home, 755 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6AN or made online at www.cpjfield.co.uk