Tributes have been paid to a former Leicester Mercury journalist who has died aged 92.

Malcolm Ethelbert Cherry, known as Mac, was "Mr Coalville", working as a district reporter in the town for more than 30 years.

Born in Wolverhampton, he followed in the footsteps of his father to become a journalist, joining the former Leicester Evening Mail in 1946 after serving in the Army.

In 1963 the Evening Mail was taken over by the Leicester Mercury, and he continued to work there until 1977 when he retired.

Jim McPheator, the Mercury's current Coalville reporter, who knew Mac for 30 years, said: "Mac was Mr Coalville.

"Everyone knew him. His knowledge of the area and its people was immense.

"Many journalists learned from his professionalism. It was an honour to have known him."

After his retirement Mac continued to live in Leicestershire and worked part-time as a freelance photographer.

His funeral was due to be held today.

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