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Former editor honoured for ‘outstanding commitment’ to old patch

Irene KettleA former regional daily editor has received an honour for her “outstanding commitment” to her old patch.

Irene Kettle, who edited the Colchester Daily Gazette until 2009, has been presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Colchester Forum, of which she is a member.

The prize is named after Paul Percy Harris, who founded Rotary International in 1905 and is given to people who meet high professional and personal standards in humanitarian work.

Irene previously served as president of the Colchester club in 2013-14.

Current president Roy Gamble said: “This is very well deserved. The Rotary Club of Colchester Forum gives very few Paul Harris Fellowships, it is a rarity.”

Irene worked for Essex County Newspapers between 1983 and 2009, when the editorships of the Gazette and sister Newsquest title the Essex Echo were merged under Martin McNeill.

She then spent a year as head of internal and external relations for NHS North East Essex and founded her own company, Kettle Communications.

In her role with Rotary, Irene played a lead part in its Food for Thought project which teaches young carers Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food cooking course.

Irene, pictured above left, said: “I know forum does not give these out lightly so this is an amazing honour.

“The project is a team effort and one which is making a real difference to the lives of young carers, so it is a privilege for me to be involved. I hope many other rotary clubs will take up forum’s initiative.”