An editor has paid tribute to one of his staff who was made a Freeman of Wells - a top honour in the city.

Mid Somerset Newspapers assistant editor Michael Chamberlain received the honour in recognition of his work in the community during more than 30 years.

The award was a welcome and deserved high for Michael during a difficult time during which he has been diagnosed with throat cancer.

He is currently convalescing at home and has now been conferred his Freedom of the City.

Editor Philip Welch said: "Michael exerted his customary determination, decided that cancer would not beat him and is on the road to a remarkable recovery.

"As a journalist Michael is known among colleagues for commitment, enormous local knowledge and a desire to print the truth in a responsible way. This has earned him widespread respect across mid-Somerset.

"Michael is not perfect. He makes occasional mistakes like everybody else, but not for lack of trying to get it right. One difference is that most people's errors are not noticed by the general public while the reporter's mistake is printed thousands of times and distributed across the district.

"Michael deserves the honour given by the city of Wells. In his modest and unassuming way he has served the community with remarkable but unsung dedication for more than 40 years.

"Michael's many friends and colleagues hope to enjoy his influence and presence long into the future."

Titles in the newspaper group include the Central Somerset Gazette, Wells Journal, Shepton Mallet Journal and the Cheddar Valley Gazette.

Other freemen of Wells include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, the former Dean of Wells who later became Dean of Windsor, the Very Rev Patrick Mitchell, the late Douglas Cursley, who was town clerk, and Nancy Dodd, who is secretary of Wells Carnival.

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