Harold Hardcastle, former editor of the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale Herald, has died aged 76.

Known to friends and colleagues as Harry, he had worked as a reporter for the Herald for 24 years, having started at Ackrill Newspapers’ Ripon office in 1968.

He is remembered at the company for his trademark pipe and flat cap.

Jean MacQuarrie, editor of the Ackrill Media Group, which publishes the Nidderdale Herald, said: “Harry was of the old school of journalism where the telephone was no substitute for taking the time to meet people face to face and gather all the information he possibly could.

“He was extremely well known and respected throughout Nidderdale and, to this day, people often mention Harry with fond memories of seeing his car wending its way up the Dale.

“He wouldn’t change his car so people would recognise it and flag him down with stories, or leave notes under the windscreen wipers. He was a mine of information about people and places in Nidderdale.”

Former mayor Sam Cryer also paid tribute to Harry.

He said: “He was the last of an era. He trundled up and down the dale listening for news, I doubt if he ever broke a speed limit.

“Pateley Bridge was Harry’s capital city. He loved Nidderdale and its people and was trusted by all those who knew him.

“Harry was always a gentleman, well dressed, polite and ever helpful.”