Charles Wilson, former editor of The Times and ex-husband of Anne Robinson, has died at the age of 87 after a short illness.

Mr Wilson was born in Glasgow and first worked for the News Chronicle and the Daily Mail.

He edited The Times from 1985 to 1990 and despite his combative style he only fired three people, one of whom was Boris Johnson for fabricating a quote.

He was later managing director of the Mirror Group.

Charles Garside, a friend and former assistant editor of the Daily Mail, said: 'He had a simply amazing career for a young man who began life in the streets of the East End of Glasgow. He worked closely with Rupert Murdoch through the Wapping battles and for Robert Maxwell when he disappeared from [his yacht] the Lady Ghislaine.'

Mr Wilson had a lifelong interest in horse racing and was a member of the Jockey Club and an owner and breeder at his home in Leicestershire.

Former sports editor Tom Clarke was among those paying tribute.

He said: 'Charlie was a special hero for me. He hired me for The Times and later for The Sporting Life.

'I regarded him as a great editor, transforming The Times from the paper of record into the paper of record and news. He was the first sports editor to become an editor.'

Mr Wilson is survived by his wife of 21 years, Rachel, his three children, Emma, Luke and Lily and seven grandchildren.

He was previously married to broadcaster and TV presenter Anne Robinson and journalist Sally O'Sullivan.

He met Robinson, who would later become a household name as the host of The Weakest Link, while working at the Daily Mail and they had a tempestuous five-year marriage ending in a court battle for custody of their only child.

There will be a private family funeral followed by a memorial service at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street on a date to be announced.