ITN war reporter Terry Lloyd began his career in the regional press, cutting his teeth at the Derby-based news agency Raymonds.

He joined the agency as a fresh-faced teenager in 1969 and rose to become news editor before moving on to Central News, where he stayed until he joined ITN in 1983.

He specialised in crime reporting for nine months before returning to general reporting and covered the Lebanese Government's collapse in Beirut in 1984.

Earlier this year he celebrated his 20th anniversary with the news organisation, making him their longest-serving correspondent.

He was also the first correspondent killed on assignment in ITN's 48-year history.

Missing ITN reporter Terry Lloyd is now thought to be dead, the news station has said.

Mr Lloyd, (50), was last seen being shot at in southern Iraq on the approach to the city of Basra.

A statement from ITN said: "We believe his body to be in Basra hospital which is still under Iraqi control."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk