Former Weston & Somerset Mercury editor John Bailey has died. He was 92.

He had spent more than 50 years at the newspaper when he retired in 1980, and had started out as a teenager, taking adverts at the front desk.

After working his way through the ranks he became the fifth editor in the Mercury's 160-year history and held the position for 20 years.

He also became the paper's first photographer after he took pictures for his brother Ronald's Mendip Lore features, and was a founder member of the National Union of Journalists in Weston.

Away from work, John was an enthusiastic playwright and a keen musician, and he made numerous contributions to BBC radio.

His funeral will be held tomorrow.

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