A weekly newspaper’s gardening columnist who gave readers advice for more than 20 years has died aged 79.

Tributes have been paid to Les Foden, pictured left, who wrote for Morecambe newspaper The Visitor.

Les began writing for The Visitor in the 1990s after moving to the Lancashire seaside resort from the nearby town of Garstang.

He passed away on 16 May after battling cancer.

Debbie Butler, Visitor content editor, said: “Les wrote a popular and well-read gardening column for The Visitor for more than 20 years.

“He became known throughout the town, and people would often approach him for gardening tips and advice.

“The Visitor and its readers would like to thank Les for many years of gardening advice, and pass on our condolences to his family.”

Pat Rawsthorne, his partner of 21 years, added: “He liked anything to do with growing.

“Along with his column in The Visitor, he gave talks to various groups and he said he used to like to make the old ladies laugh.”

Les is survived by Pat and three children – Paul, and twins Linda and Wendy.

His son Andrew died before him.