The Bristol Evening Post's longest-serving journalist David Harrison has died after a long battle against heart problems.

David, (59), had been at the Post for more than 36 years and was a respected authority on the history of the city, where he was born, educated and became an author in his own right.

He joined the paper in 1966 after training with the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard newspaper in Cirencester.

In his early days with the Post he covered the Keynsham area but has been a regular member of the Post's feature writing team for many years.

Colleague Tim Davey, who worked with David for more than 30 years, said: "He was a phenomenal person with a vast knowledge of a wide variety of subjects. If you wanted to double-check what happened where, when, why and by whom, then David was your man.

"These past months, although dogged by severe ill-health, he continued to amaze us all by showing up for work, retaining his enthusiasm and dedication for the job, yet never once complaining about the condition he found himself in. In that respect he was truly inspirational.

"A witty and authoritative writer, he was a friend as well as a workmate and I know I speak for many, many others when I say I shall miss him greatly."

Evening Post editor Mike Lowe said: "David was a terrific asset to the Post and to the city of Bristol. His exhaustive local knowledge and enthusiasm for the Bristol Times supplement has left our readers with a great legacy."

His first specialist role on the paper was in the field of drama, becoming a well-respected theatre reviewer. His most recent role on the newspaper was as editor of the popular weekly nostalgia supplement, Bristol Times.

In his time he reviewed some of the most famous performers when they visited the city. The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and, most poignantly, the final performance of rock-and-roll cult hero, Eddie Cochran.

He had published a number of books, some in conjunction with the Evening Post and others in his own right. One of these, The World Of Blues, a book on American blues musicians was a best-seller.

But throughout his years on the Evening Post David had to wage a battle against ill-health.

He was diagnosed with a form of lymphatic cancer more than 20 years ago. He triumphed over that, only to succumb in later years to serious heart problems.

Once again, though, a few years ago, he came through a gruelling heart operation. Then in recent times his heart problems recurred.

With typical humour, in one of his most recent articles for the paper David wrote: "Over the years I've managed to sample the delights of most of the Bristol hospitals and intend to write a book about them unless I receive a) threats of extra blood tests or b) a large bag of hush money.

"Southmead, Frenchay, the BRI, even the old Ham Green Hospital - been there, done that."

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